EJQ4 - Spring 2025 - Journal - Page 33
the solution to handle real-world complexities including supporting
how individual users might engage with and use the solution
di昀昀erently.
RESOURCE INVESTMENT REQUIRED: Developing a custom AI solution
involves costs not just in technology, but also in the time and e昀昀ort of
cross-functional teams. Processing data is not free. Commercial entities
should have commercial agreements with AI software technology
providers and data providers to ensure appropriate safeguards are in
place to protect proprietary and sensitive information. It should be
noted that the cost to develop, integrate, and test solutions outweigh
technology costs by a signi昀椀cant amount at the outset. Organizations
need to be prepared to invest accordingly.
HUMAN OVERSIGHT IS NON-NEGOTIABLE: Despite the e昀케ciencies
gained through automation, AI outputs must be thoroughly reviewed
by human experts. There is always a risk that AI-generated or predicted
outputs may not be factual despite reading well at a surface level. As
our solution and how we use it matures, we determined that junior
practitioners should not rely on the solution until they prove their ability
to write Phase 1 ESA reports, demonstrating their ability to exercise good
professional judgement. The risk of relying solely on AI-generated content is too
great, particularly when inaccuracies can lead to signi昀椀cant liabilities.
With our success and experience, we have a hammer (AI) looking for a nail (more
tasks to automate) and are actively exploring new opportunities to apply AI in other
areas of work. Each potential use case will be carefully evaluated to only validate the
business case, but to also ensure it aligns with our commitment to accuracy, reliability, and professional integrity. We must be careful that AI outputs are not untrue,
inaccurate, and/or di昀케cult to validate. As professionals, we have a high standard of
care when we sign and stamp our work. Implementing AI in specialized technical
reporting requires signi昀椀cant resources, collaboration, and a cautious approach to
ensure that outputs meet the high standards required in our industry. Our environmental and engineering reports remain with our clients and potentially in the public domain for many years. Our work needs to be trustworthy as we integrate new
technologies, including AI.
Tom Li is the Ontario Business Operations
and Business Development Manager, Daniel Weng is
the AI & Digital Innovation Lead and Rachel Kim is
an Environmental E.I.T. at Parsons Inc.
E N V I RON M E N T J OURN A L QUA RT E RLY RE PORT • S PRI N G 2 0 2 5 • P AGE 3 3
