Building a Sustainable Ecommerce Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Background:

The e-commerce sector, a behemoth of modern retail, is at a critical juncture where its rapid
expansion is juxtaposed against the pressing need for sustainable operations. The environmental
footprint of e-commerce is multifaceted, with significant contributions to global CO2 emissions due to
the transportation of goods. Greenbiz highlights that e-commerce transportation's share of global
greenhouse gas emissions is expected to rise from 3 percent to 17 percent by 2050 if unchecked
(Greenbiz, 2021). The logistical framework of e-commerce, as noted by Earth.org, is a substantial
emitter of CO2, largely due to the shipping and delivery networks that are the industry's lifeline
(Earth.org, 2020).

The waste generated by e-commerce, particularly packaging waste, is another critical concern.
Earth5R points out the various kinds of waste produced by online shopping, including packaging and
electronic waste, which contribute to the increasing strain on landfills (Earth5R).

In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative tool that can be harnessed to
meet sustainability targets in the e-commerce industry. AI has the potential to optimize logistics for
carbon footprint reduction, enhance waste management through smarter packaging solutions, and
drive efficient energy use in data centers and warehouses. The application of AI can lead to a
paradigm shift in achieving environmental sustainability while maintaining the growth trajectory of
e-commerce.

Objectives:
● To identify sustainability targets within the e-commerce industry that can be effectively
addressed using AI.
● To develop a comprehensive roadmap that integrates AI technologies for achieving these
sustainability targets.
● To outline Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will measure the progress and efficacy
of AI-driven sustainability initiatives.

The Challenge:

Your team, a blend of AI experts and sustainability strategists, is tasked by a forward-thinking

e-commerce giant to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. Your research should focus on
reducing the carbon footprint of logistics, minimizing packaging waste, and promoting energy
efficiency, all within a scalable and ethical business model. A roadmap for implementation, complete
with KPIs for each stage, will be essential..

Suggested Areas of Focus:

● AI-Optimized Logistics: Utilize AI to streamline delivery routes and reduce emissions.
● Smart Packaging: Implement AI to design packaging that minimizes waste and maximizes
recyclability.
● Energy Management: Deploy AI for predictive maintenance and energy optimization in data
centers and warehouses.
● Circular Economy: Apply AI to facilitate product life cycle management, from returns to
recycling.
Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated on the innovativeness of AI applications, the feasibility of the sustainability
targets, and the thoroughness of the roadmap. The relevance and measurability of the KPIs will also
be crucial in determining the success of the framework.

Competition Structure:

Round 1: Executive Summary Submission

● Duration: 4th November to 8th November 2023
● Task: Teams are required to submit a 2-slider executive summary of their deliverables related
to the case.
● Submission Platform: Via the competition page on Unstop.

Round 2: Final Presentation

● Date: 18th November 2023, during the 7 Lakes Fest
● Mode: Online
● Task: Shortlisted teams will present a detailed 5-slider solution to the case.
● Time Allocation: 15 minutes for the presentation and 10 minutes for questions from the jury.

Prizes:
Winner: INR 4,000
First Runner-up: INR 2,000
Top 5 Teams: Certificates of Recognition from the General Management and Leadership Cell, IIM
Calcutta

Contact Details:
Email: gmlc@email.iimcal.ac.in
Contact Persons: Mohit Babu (7319754779) | Sachin Menon (9629438402)