Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Accelerate data-driven circular economy initiatives with AWS (SUS202)

Summary

• Jenna Leiner from the AWS sustainability team discusses the importance of circularity in sustainability and how AWS is adopting circular economy principles.
• AWS aims to be net zero by 2040, with circularity playing a key role, exemplified by using HVO fuel in data centers and aiming for water positivity by 2030.
• Mr. Kusum Oh from SK Ecoplan presents how they use AWS technologies to innovate in environmental management, focusing on their digital waste management platform, Weibull Circular, and other initiatives like Weibull Re-Energy and Weibull Re-Water.
• SK Ecoplan's AI Innovation Team has developed solutions to improve efficiency and reduce emissions and waste in various environmental processes.
• AWS services such as IoT, AI/ML, and data lakes are crucial for organizations to transition to a circular economy by providing insights and accelerating initiatives.
• Jenna encourages attendees to find opportunities within their organizations to use AWS technologies to support circular economy initiatives and to engage with AWS sustainability sessions and showcases.

Insights

• Circular Economy and Sustainability: The talk emphasizes that while circularity is a method to achieve sustainability, it does not automatically equate to sustainability. A systems-level approach is necessary to balance environmental, social, and economic factors.
• AWS's Commitment: AWS's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through initiatives like using HVO fuel and aiming to be water positive. This shows AWS's leadership in integrating sustainability into its operations.
• Digital Technologies as Accelerators: IoT, AI/ML, and data lakes are identified as key technologies that can accelerate the transition to a circular economy by providing real-time insights, optimizing processes, and improving decision-making.
• Real-world Application: SK Ecoplan's use of AWS services to enhance environmental management showcases the practical application of AWS technologies in achieving circular economy goals. This includes improving water treatment processes, reducing emissions, and managing waste more effectively.
• Collaboration and Innovation: The partnership between AWS and SK Ecoplan highlights the importance of collaboration between technology providers and industry leaders to drive innovation in sustainability.
• Call to Action: The talk concludes with a call to action for attendees to leverage their expertise with AWS technologies to support circular economy initiatives within their organizations, demonstrating the role of IT professionals in driving sustainability.