AI in Sustainability Report Writing Services: Efficiency or Intellectual Degradation?

In the digital era, automation is increasingly penetrating various aspects of business, including sustainability report writing. Several organizations now offer AI-based sustainability report writing services with the promise of efficiency and low cost. However, can this approach really replace the in-depth and reflection-based process? This article will review the potential impacts of using AI in sustainability report writing and how Maxima Impact Consulting sees this issue.

The Threat of AI and the Degradation of Essence

A sustainability report is not just an administrative document or a check list. The main value of a sustainability report lies in the in-depth process of data collection, analysis and management. This process requires the involvement of humans who understand the business context, regulations, and social and environmental impacts generated by a company.

The use of AI in producing sustainability report narratives has some serious challenges:

1. Losing the Essence of Data Management: The biggest cost in report preparation is not just in the narrative, but in the data management process that ensures that the information presented is accurate and relevant. AI-generated narratives do not guarantee a company’s success in meeting the main objectives of a sustainability report.
2. An Irreplaceable Reflection of Business: A sustainability report is not just a report, but a deep reflection on business processes that cannot be fully replaced by AI. AI is incapable of understanding the strategic nuances that must be expressed in the report.
3. Risk of Bias and Hyperbole: AI-generated narratives often escape human control, risking the use of hyperbolic language that can create a “superhero complex” in the sustainability sector. This contradicts the main purpose of the report, which should be to show the contribution of the company’s impact, not just be a branding tool.
4. Environmental Aspects in the AI Generating Engine: Ironically, the AI models used to generate text often have a high carbon footprint. Thus, there is a big question whether the use of AI in sustainability reports is really in line with the principle of sustainability itself.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Innovations in AI must not only be able to meet standards, but also obtain official licenses from authorities such as the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

On the other hand, several studies have highlighted this issue. Research shows that generative AI models require significant energy in the process of training and use, which results in a sizable carbon footprint. For example, to generate a single AI image, the carbon footprint is equivalent to fully charging a smartphone battery. In addition, the use of AI chatbots also contributes to carbon emissions, albeit on a smaller scale. This raises questions about the extent to which the application of AI in business processes, including the preparation of sustainability reports, is truly in line with the principles of sustainability itself. (Jagat Review, 2023)

Sustainability Report: More than Just a Script Report

As a sustainability-focused impact consultancy, Maxima is constantly evolving with technology. However, in terms of implementation, the use of AI in sustainability report writing cannot replace a strategic process that involves deep business reflection. Maxima believes that sustainability is not just about meeting formal standards. It is also about ensuring that each report truly reflects a business transformation that has a positive impact on the environment and society.

Your company or organization wants to start learning how to prepare various types of reports? Consult with Maxima Impact Consulting and discover the strategic steps to increase credibility through sustainability reports!