Online shoppers, especially Gen Z and Millenials, are now more than ever vocal about the importance of sustainability. Around 85% of this population considers that it is extremely important for companies to adopt eco-friendly strategies. With more awareness being raised about it, consumers’ decision-making process is not solely affected by the efficacy of the product anymore. It is also about the community’s and the planet’s needs.

Reducing Emissions from Transportation

Every year, transportation contributes around 20% to greenhouse emissions on a global scale. This plays a direct role in catalyzing the climate change process which has drastic consequences on the planet and humanity’s existence. By using AR technology, users are not required to be physically present in-store anymore when purchasing products. Whether they are looking for furniture, kitchen appliances, beauty products, eyewear and footwear items, or any other option, online shoppers can now make use of Spatial Augmented Reality in a variety of ways. Brands are making it easier for users to visualize in 3D the exact size and fit of their prospects’ desired items so they could immerse themselves in exceptional experiences, all while supporting the environment’s sustainability. In that case, companies are not only engaging customers with their products but are also ensuring their return rates are reduced by over 25%.

Building Sustainable Smart Cities

With people increasingly sensing the climate change’s heat, smart cities attempt to include climate-resilient infrastructure by embedding digital add-ons that boost convenience and help in governance. Within smart cities, AR may give ongoing feedback, allowing everyone to make important and informed decisions in their daily lives to preserve sustainability. In other words, urban settings will become more people-centered. As a result, transportation, public safety and health, tourism, and asset management may all benefit from it.

Sustainability in Developing Infrastructure

In the construction sector, Augmented Reality has also been gaining traction. This technology, when used effectively, may help companies win more deals, interact with team members, train and increase the safety of workers, and, ultimately, assure a sustainable environment. To successfully achieve infrastructure sustainability, governing bodies have a vital role in creating supportive and clear policy and regulatory frameworks, publishing, communicating, and analyzing data, and finally mobilizing finance by putting a price on carbon and developing tax incentives.

Monitoring Waste Management

Augmented Reality allowed consumers to look beyond items, giving them more information about these products and brand identification. This technology enabled a more tailored buying experience, blurring the lines between e-commerce and traditional retail. One example that helped tremendously in reducing waste materials is QR codes, which came back to life big time due to the pandemic after seeming like a dying fad for a while. When adopting this automation, the packaging is turned digital instead of having raw, non-recyclable, and mostly non-degradable material.