This initiative aims to generate awareness of what appears to be AI supplier misalignment with the language of Triumvirate Environmental's supplier code of conduct and other company messaging that promotes its suppliers as behaving ethically and as being aligned with company values. The hope is the company, if deemed appropriate, will correct any inaccurate claims and reconsider contracts with any businesses that appear to be misaligned with company values, human rights, and climate goals.
Project Goals
Develop more sustainable products
Generate ideas and encourage knowledge sharing
Improve the workplace environment
Increase knowledge and build skills
Influence policy and decision-making
Raise awareness and shift mindsets within the organisation
Reduce the organisation's environmental footprint
services or business models
Focus Area
Manufacturing
Supply Chains & Industry
What gave you the courage to start?
There are profound and lasting negative impacts being generated by Triumvirate Environmental's chosen AI suppliers. Witnessing employees being subject to fossil fuel industry-style deflective talking points pertaining to these suppliers' growing carbon footprint and human rights harms also helped compel action. It's always that much harder to stimulate change when employees and other stakeholders are absorbing sustainability claims about AI and the AI industry that aren't backed by evidence.
The Outcome
It remains to be seen if Triumvirate Environmental will find it necessary to make any changes to the messaging in its supplier code, sustainability report, and other internal and public facing materials. It's also unknown if the company will stop resisting employee suggestions that it consider shifting away from AI providers that appear to be misaligned with climate goals and human rights standards.
The Impact
It remains to be seen if Triumvirate Environmental will find it necessary to make any changes to the messaging in its supplier code, sustainability report, and other internal and public facing materials. It's also unknown if the company will stop resisting employee suggestions that it consider shifting away from AI providers that appear to be misaligned with climate goals and human rights standards.
The Biggest Challenge
Triumvirate Environment has been unwilling to clarify if it considers any of its actions or messaging, including communications pertaining to supplier conduct, as being counter to its values or ethics code. This generates general unease, anxiety, and uncertainty for me regarding what the company considers to be responsible business practices. In this context, attempts to resist being required to participate in potentially harmful direct discussions with management have had to be made.
The Biggest Learning
I've learned quite a lot more about the AI and tech industry beyond just the fossil fuel infrastructure buildout, which is massive. Other aspects of the AI companies' operations are having a detrimental impact on health, safety, and human rights. These are all elements that a responsible business, especially an environmental services firm, should consider when choosing what other companies to retain in its value chain.
Most Enjoyed
It was nice to connect with other employees who are also attempting to resit the encroachment of AI in the workplace on the grounds of its environmental and other impacts. In collecting information pertaining to AI and climate/human rights, I was also able to lean on the insights and expertise of subject matter experts—networking with the Climate Change and Human Rights working group at CIEL helped me to see how people are active on these topics around the world.