Alibaba Cloud’s AI-Powered Energy Expert Empowers Olympic Esports Week with Data-Driven Sustainability Insights

Gain insights on material choices, equipment efficiency, and environmental impact, as Alibaba Cloud leads the way towards a greener future in the esports industry.

Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has successfully leveraged its AI-driven sustainability solution, Energy Expert, to measure and analyze carbon emissions from temporary construction during the first-ever Olympic Esports Week. In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Alibaba Cloud deployed its cutting-edge carbon measurement tool to generate data-driven insights on material and equipment choices, highlighting the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation.

Assessing Carbon Footprint through Energy Expert

Energy Expert, a software-as-a-service tool developed by Alibaba Cloud, was utilized by the Local Organizing Committee to evaluate various aspects of the event’s temporary construction, including energy consumption, waste management, signage, and decoration. By comparing the relative impacts of different materials and equipment, the tool allowed event organizers to identify sources of carbon emissions, quantify the carbon footprint, and visualize the sustainability performance of the venue through an integrated dashboard and online reports.

Results and Emissions Reduction Efforts

According to Alibaba Cloud’s Energy Expert, the estimated carbon footprint of the Olympic Esports Week’s temporary construction amounted to 274 tons of CO2e. Notably, the implementation of digital alternatives for 60% of printed signage reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 14 tons CO2e. Additionally, reusing 50% of the carpets post-event could potentially decrease emissions by an additional 10 tons CO2e. These findings demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of adopting sustainable practices within the esports industry.

Commitment to Sustainability and Collaboration

Vincent Pereira, Head of Virtual Sport at the IOC Sports Department, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Alibaba Cloud to integrate advanced technologies for measuring carbon emissions, reaffirming their dedication to environmental preservation. Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, highlighted the company’s support for the IOC’s digital transformation and commitment to providing timely data, actionable insights, and energy-saving recommendations that create positive impacts.

Addressing the Environmental Impact of Esports

The esports industry’s rapid growth has led to an increasing environmental impact. Industry analysis predicts that a single esports team could generate up to 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022. With approximately 40% of the global population (three billion people) engaging in video games, there is a significant need to address and mitigate this environmental footprint. Alibaba Cloud’s collaboration with the IOC on carbon emissions reduction within the esports industry marks an essential step towards sustainable practices and environmental awareness.

Engaging the Public through Interactive Web Application

In addition to measuring carbon emissions from temporary construction, Alibaba Cloud developed a web application for Olympic Esports Week to raise public awareness about the importance of reducing carbon footprints. The application integrates Alibaba Cloud’s AI technologies with traditional emission datasets, allowing users to capture photos of everyday items (e.g., keyboards, headsets) and understand their carbon footprints. Participants can also make pledges to reduce their carbon footprint in daily life, such as recycling e-waste, with the opportunity to earn points and achieve a Sustainability Champion badge within the app.

Future Goals

As a global leader in cloud infrastructure, Alibaba Cloud is committed to driving carbon emissions reduction through the deployment of emerging technologies like intelligent computing and AI. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 and intends to power its cloud computing operations with 100% clean energy by 2030. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, Alibaba Cloud strives to become a catalyst for sustainable practices within the industry, setting an example for others to follow.

Alibaba Cloud’s Energy Expert solution has enabled a comprehensive analysis of carbon emissions during the Olympic Esports Week, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancements. By providing event organizers with valuable insights and actionable data, Alibaba Cloud is actively driving the esports industry towards a more environmentally friendly future. With continued collaboration and innovation, Alibaba Cloud aims to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable practices on a global scale.