Adan Elman: Building Innovative Technology for a More Sustainable World
Adan Elman, Head of Sustainability for EMEA at Google, recently spoke at Sustainability LIVE London, sharing insights on how technology is being leveraged to address environmental challenges. Google, a pioneer in climate innovation, continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and renewable energy solutions.
Technology and Sustainability: A Growing Connection
Google has embedded sustainability into its DNA since its founding over 25 years ago. Today, technology and sustainability are deeply intertwined, enabling new strategies to combat climate change. As Elman puts it:
“We’re in our third decade of climate action. Our programme and our plans are always evolving.”
By investing in advanced technologies like AI and ML, Google aims to support climate adaptation and mitigation across multiple sectors.
AI’s Role in Climate Action
According to research by Google and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), scaling existing AI solutions could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% — an impact equivalent to the entire EU’s emissions.
Key application areas include:
- Early flood forecasting
- Wildfire detection
- Public sector decision-making
- Climate resilience strategies
Google’s approach empowers individuals, governments, and organizations to take timely and informed climate action.
Net-Zero Commitment and Google Cloud Tools
Google is on a mission to reach net-zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030. Tools such as Google Cloud’s Climate Insights support governments in improving climate resilience through real-time data and analysis.
This commitment is further demonstrated by the goal to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy across all data centers and campuses worldwide.
A Timeline of Google’s Climate Leadership
- 2006: Partnership with EI Solutions to build a 1.6MW solar energy system at the Mountain View campus
- 2007: Launch of the RE<C initiative to make renewable energy cheaper than coal
- 2015: Release of Project Sunroof using Google Maps to estimate solar energy potential
- 2017: Became the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy
- 2020: Announced the goal of operating fully on carbon-free energy, every hour of every day
- 2023: Launched Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change – a hybrid programme supporting climate-tech startups in Europe
Organizational Culture and Leadership
Elman’s experience across companies like Marks & Spencer, Amazon, and Klöckner Pentaplast has shown him that sustainability has evolved from a niche initiative to a core business strategy. He emphasizes that modern businesses adopt sustainability not just due to regulation, but because it makes economic, environmental, and ethical sense.
“What used to be a small team on the side of the business is now integrated across the entire organization.”
Conclusion
Google’s decades-long commitment to climate action reflects a broader movement within the technology sector to use innovation for good. Through AI, renewable energy, and collaborative climate efforts, the company continues to lead by example—proving that environmental responsibility and technological progress can go hand in hand.
