Artificial intelligence is helping organizations address some of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. From analyzing environmental data to identifying inefficiencies and improving decision-making, AI is becoming an important tool for businesses seeking to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create more sustainable operations.

One company demonstrating AI's potential is Xylem, Inc., a global water technology company focused on solving challenges across the water cycle. Through its use of AI-powered tools and data analytics, Xylem offers a real-world example of how businesses can leverage technology to advance sustainability goals while creating operational value.

Why Is AI Important for Sustainability?

Many sustainability challenges involve processing large amounts of data and responding quickly to changing conditions.

AI can help organizations:

• Analyze environmental data faster
• Detect inefficiencies and waste
• Predict infrastructure failures
• Improve resource management
• Support real-time decision-making
• Identify opportunities for sustainability improvements

As organizations face increasing pressure to improve environmental performance, AI provides a powerful way to transform data into actionable insights.

How Is Xylem Using AI to Improve Water Management?

Xylem is a water technology company focused on solving challenges related to water transportation, treatment, monitoring, and conservation. Since launching in 2011, the company has expanded its global reach through partnerships and acquisitions and now operates in more than 150 countries.

The company's mission centers on improving water security and combating water scarcity through innovative technology solutions.

Its work includes:

• Identifying leaks in regional water systems
• Supporting water treatment infrastructure
• Improving water accessibility and affordability
• Monitoring water quality
• Enhancing water system resilience
• Helping organizations reduce water waste

These efforts support both environmental sustainability and public health by improving access to clean, reliable water.

How Does AI Help Xylem Solve Sustainability Challenges?

Xylem recognized early on that AI could help improve operational efficiency and accelerate problem-solving.

During a 2024 fireside chat at Kogod School of Business, Xylem CEO Matthew Pine explained how AI transformed the company's ability to analyze water system leak data. Tasks that previously took weeks can now be completed in days, allowing clients to receive information faster while enabling employees to focus on higher-value work.

This type of AI application demonstrates how automation and data analytics can improve both sustainability outcomes and organizational performance.

What Is Xylem Vue?

As AI capabilities continue to evolve, Xylem has expanded its use of data-driven technologies through Xylem Vue, the company's digital intelligence platform.

Xylem Vue uses AI to:

• Capture and analyze operational data
• Monitor water systems in real time
• Detect potential issues earlier
• Provide decision-support recommendations
• Improve infrastructure performance

By combining AI with real-time monitoring, organizations can respond more quickly to challenges and make more informed decisions about resource management.

How Are Kogod Students Applying AI to Sustainability Challenges?

The relationship between Xylem and Kogod extends beyond classroom discussions.

In 2025, Xylem served as the case study company for Kogod's annual Case Competition, where student teams developed and presented AI-powered solutions designed to address global water scarcity.

Experiences like these allow students to work on real-world business challenges while developing skills in:

• Sustainability strategy
• Artificial intelligence
• Data analysis
• Innovation
• Problem-solving
• Business communication

Students gain practical experience applying emerging technologies to issues that affect organizations, communities, and industries worldwide.

Why AI and Sustainability Are a Priority at Kogod

Kogod's emphasis on AI and sustainability reflects the growing importance of both areas in modern business.

According to Kogod professor Tommy White, these priorities are deeply integrated into Kogod's innovation ecosystem.

"At the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship, we've made integrating AI and sustainability a central priority."

"By collaborating closely with our STEM and sustainability partners, we're launching new academic certification pathways, introducing innovative competitions like the HealthTech Competition and the AI & Sustainability Hackathon, and embedding these technologies both into existing student ventures and as catalysts for entirely new business models."

This focus helps students understand how emerging technologies can drive innovation while addressing societal and environmental challenges.

Why AI and Sustainability Matter for Future Business Leaders

Organizations increasingly need leaders who can navigate both technological innovation and sustainability challenges.

Professionals who understand how to evaluate AI tools, analyze data, and develop sustainable business solutions will be better positioned to lead in an increasingly complex business environment.

At Kogod, students build these capabilities through coursework, experiential learning opportunities, entrepreneurship programs, and hands-on projects that connect technology with real-world impact.

Programs such as the MS in Sustainability Management, combined with school-wide access to AI tools and training, help prepare students to create innovative solutions that benefit both businesses and society.

As the Xylem case demonstrates, AI is not simply changing how organizations operate. It is helping redefine how businesses address some of the world's most significant sustainability challenges.