Letter from the CEO — 2023–2024 CSR Report
Amid rapid change, one thing remains constant: SAS is committed to supporting our customers, helping them adapt and thrive using data and AI. The environment for decision making has become more complicated – with a fluctuating economy, changes in customer behavior, and an ever-evolving data and technology landscape. While addressing these changes and challenges, we are prioritizing our desire to improve the world and environment.
We are applying the same problem-solving mindset required to be resilient during radical changes in business that affect the well-being of people around the world. As a leader in social responsibility, we seek opportunities to help our communities and customers with their efforts to implement environmental, social and governance initiatives. We know that the power of trustworthy data can inspire more accurate decisions and create a more sustainable and responsible future.
At SAS, we understand how our technology can change the world and our communities for the better. We believe in the power of using data for good and have spent decades on socially responsible innovation projects such as protecting the environment, improving health outcomes and addressing unfair biases that may harm vulnerable groups. SAS remains dedicated to applying our expertise and technology in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
We are embracing the power of AI and exploring how we can capitalize on technological advances to create positive outcomes for humanity. We will support our customers in using that same technology in their own responsible innovation efforts. As the world changes around us, SAS is prepared to help our customers safely navigate AI to reach new levels of productivity and innovation.
We’ve expanded our Data Ethics Practice to bring trustworthy AI to customers and pursue new data-for-good initiatives, collaborating with groups like EqualAI and the Business Roundtable to help shape the responsible use of AI. SAS is also participating in a national initiative to support the development and deployment of trustworthy and safe AI. Established by the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium will bring together AI creators and users, academics, government and industry researchers, and civil society organizations to meet this mission.
Genuinely believing in and treating people like they matter has always been at the core of SAS’ philosophy. This can be seen through our inclusive and supportive workplace culture, which encourages our employees to be authentic every day. Whether they are working remotely or on-site at our award-winning offices, our culture and workplace atmosphere is recognized year after year by organizations such as Fast Company, Forbes, the American Association of People With Disabilities, and Disability:IN.
The health and happiness of our employees is only part of our sustainability commitment. Our evolving sustainability and conservation efforts at SAS headquarters and our global offices include a 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal and validated, science-based emission reduction targets. With sustainable initiatives ranging from energy conservation, beehives and solar projects to our green buildings and smart campus technology, we also use our expertise and software to help customers develop smarter operations and green business strategies.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering the next generation of technology leaders. As an analytics leader with roots in academia, SAS continues to expand programs to build the next generation of data experts, preparing them to be advocates for sustainable and inclusive workspaces.
We take our role as a good corporate citizen seriously, knowing we have a responsibility to our employees and their communities. We saw promising progress with our environmental, social and economic impacts in 2023, building on our renowned reputation of service and innovation. As a pioneer and leader in the AI space, I believe we can use our technology and talent responsibly to improve the world and contribute to a more promising future.
Jim Goodnight | CEO of SAS