IBM uses technology to advance sustainability

2026 World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award recipient: IBM (Social Contribution)

IBM is a global provider of hybrid cloud, AI and enterprise services, operating in 175 countries and regions. It supports digital transformation across key sectors, including finance, telecommunications and healthcare. With a long history of innovation, IBM integrates environmental protection, social responsibility and responsible technology into its business strategy. By bringing together its technology, talent and partners, the company aims to help build a more inclusive, trusted and sustainable digital society.

Driving green development through technological innovation

In response to climate change and the global energy transition, IBM is exploring ways to combine AI with green computing, improving efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

Its approach to sustainable AI spans models, platforms and hardware. Through Granite AI models, the Red Hat OpenShift AI platform, and energy-efficient computing systems such as IBM z17, LinuxONE 5 and Power11, IBM helps enterprises expand AI applications while making better use of computing resources and improving energy efficiency.

IBM is also making its own operations more sustainable. In 2025, renewable sources accounted for 84.5 percent of its global electricity consumption, while 44 data centers ran entirely on renewable electricity. The company implemented 634 energy-saving projects during the year, avoiding approximately 123,000 megawatt-hours of energy consumption and reducing emissions by around 35,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

IBM achieved its original 2025 greenhouse gas reduction target ahead of schedule in 2023 and continues to work toward net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Through its Envizi ESG management solutions, IBM also helps businesses manage environmental data, calculate carbon emissions and improve sustainability reporting, supporting their transition to greener operations.

Using AI to address social challenges

IBM is committed to using technology for good and turning innovation into practical solutions to social challenges.

Through the IBM Impact Accelerator, the company provides nonprofit organizations and government agencies worldwide with free access to AI, cloud computing and open-source technologies. The program focuses on areas including sustainable agriculture, clean energy, water management, resilient cities and supply chain optimization.

Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has supported 25 social innovation projects worldwide. By combining IBM's technological expertise with the practical needs of local organizations, it develops scalable digital solutions that help communities better address environmental and social challenges.

Expanding digital skill education for inclusive development

Bridging the digital skills gap is another key part of IBM's corporate social responsibility efforts.

IBM SkillsBuild is a free global learning platform that provides digital skills training and credentials in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data science and cloud computing. It has reached learners in 168 countries, benefiting more than two million people.

In China, IBM uses the program to support vocational education and digital talent development, offering vocational colleges learning resources and practical opportunities in AI literacy, workplace skills and innovative teaching.

To date, the program has reached 14 provincial-level regions across China, with more than 400,000 participants and 340,000 hours of learning completed. It has also provided internship opportunities at IBM for students from selected vocational colleges.

The initiative has received several corporate social responsibility and education innovation awards, reflecting IBM's ongoing efforts to promote equal access to education and talent development through digital technology.

Building a digital future through responsible innovation

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into economic and social development, IBM regards trust, security and responsible technology use as essential to innovation. It continues to promote the integration of AI governance with sustainable technology development.

From green computing and social innovation to digital skills education and responsible AI, IBM draws on its technological strengths and works with governments, businesses, educational institutions and social organizations to extend the benefits of innovation to more people.

Through sustained technological innovation, practical social responsibility initiatives and open collaboration, IBM is turning its technological capabilities into tangible contributions to green development, digital inclusion and social well-being, demonstrating the role and responsibility of global technology companies in advancing digital progress and sustainable development.