Takeaways

• NTT Data has revised its sustainability strategy to address the rising environmental and ethical concerns of artificial intelligence and expanding data centre operations.
• The new materiality framework includes 13 priority areas shaped around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations.
• The update reflects growing scrutiny on tech companies as AI development accelerates energy use, water consumption, and supply chain impacts.

NTT Data is updating how it approaches sustainability, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is a major reason behind the change. The company has introduced a new materiality framework featuring 13 sustainability priorities across environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Materiality, a common term in sustainability reporting, refers to identifying the most important environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues for a company and its stakeholders. By mapping what matters most, organizations can align sustainability goals with business performance and reduce harm to people and the planet.

NTT Data says the revision reflects “rapid shifts” in its business landscape, including deeper integration with parent company NTT and major growth in data centre operations. These facilities are resource-intensive and, according to the International Energy Agency, already contribute around 1.5% of global electricity use, a figure expected to rise as AI models become larger and more energy-demanding.

Read More: From Data to Impact: How AI Adoption Fuels Sustainable Business Growth

The company’s new sustainability framework is organised under three pillars: Planet Positive, Prosperity Positive, and People Positive.

Under the Planet Positive pillar, NTT Data has prioritized climate change, circularity, and water management. Water consumption is becoming a critical factor, as cooling systems in modern data centres can use millions of litres annually.

The Prosperity Positive pillar includes responsible technology, AI ethics, digital safety, and secure-by-design services. With governments working to regulate artificial intelligence, the inclusion of AI ethics highlights growing pressure to ensure responsible and fair AI deployment.

Meanwhile, the People Positive pillar focuses on workforce well-being and social responsibility, covering human rights, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and digital accessibility.

NTT Data’s sustainability record remains under close watch. The company employs staff in more than 50 countries, serves 75% of the Fortune Global 100, and benefits from an annual research and development investment of over US$3.6 billion. These global operations make consistent sustainability performance both challenging and essential.

The company says this updated strategy marks a shift toward “sustainability management,” with plans to incorporate responsible practices into AI development and data centre expansion. Whether these priorities translate into measurable progress remains uncertain, but expectations are rising as regulators, investors, and customers demand stronger accountability.

Also Read: From Data to Impact: How AI Is Driving ESG Progress in the Channel

With AI growth reshaping the technology sector, NTT Data’s new materiality framework suggests a clear direction: Sustainability strategy must evolve as fast as innovation itself.

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Source: Sustainability MAGAZINE