Building Sustainability Into AI: A Growing Necessity

As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves, so does the concern over its environmental impact.

The tech industry now faces a crucial challenge: harnessing AI's power while aligning its development with global sustainability goals.

AI's computational demands significantly contribute to energy consumption and carbon emissions. Training large models and operating complex AI systems require vast processing power, often sourced from energy-intensive data centres.

Google recently reported a 48% increase in carbon emissions over five years, primarily due to AI advancements.

However, AI also offers tools for optimising resource management, predicting environmental risks, and enhancing efficiencies, potentially reducing overall environmental impact.

Vincent Caldeira, Chief Technology Officer for APAC at Red Hat, highlights this paradox: “AI increases energy consumption due to its computational needs, but it also provides powerful tools to optimise resource management and reduce environmental impact.”

Collaboration and open-source initiatives are also vital. “Open Source Collaboration supports efficient innovation, leveraging open standards and resources,” says Vincent.

By working together, the industry can accelerate the development of sustainable AI practices.

Integrating sustainability into AI

Incorporating sustainability into AI development is no longer just ethical—it’s essential.

Sujata Kukreja, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Expereo, stresses, “In 2024, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, and the benefits of sustainable business far outweigh any initial investment.”

To address this, tech companies are adopting various strategies. Integrating Sustainability Impact Assessments (SIAs) into AI development is one approach.

This involves evaluating the environmental impact of AI models and choosing the most sustainable options without compromising performance.

Energy-efficient algorithms and optimised AI infrastructure can also significantly reduce environmental impact.

Investing in green data centres powered by renewable energy is another key strategy. “Google has committed to operating carbon-free by 2030,” Sujata notes, “using AI to optimise energy use in its data centres, increasing efficiency by 30%.”

Karthik Sj, General Manager, AI at LogicMonitor, suggests techniques like pruning and quantisation to create more efficient models, lowering energy use and emissions.

Conducting life cycle analyses of AI systems helps identify sustainability improvements across development and deployment stages. “This holistic approach allows companies to address sustainability challenges at every stage of AI development,” Karthik explains.

The business case for sustainable AI

Sustainable AI can offer significant business advantages. Prioritising sustainability can lead to cost savings, protect brand reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.

Companies embracing sustainable AI are more likely to attract top talent, especially as professionals seek purpose-driven roles.

However, implementing sustainable AI presents challenges, such as balancing performance and sustainability, measuring impact, and managing costs.

Vincent suggests that sustainable practices can also lead to savings: “Energy-efficient algorithms and infrastructure reduce electricity use and associated costs.”

Future trends in sustainable AI

As sustainable AI gains traction, several trends are likely to shape its development. Increased regulation around AI’s environmental impact will drive further innovation, while advancements in green computing will make sustainable AI more achievable.

Industry collaboration will also play a crucial role. “Collaborating with open-source communities can help establish common standards for sustainable AI,” Vincent notes. Such partnerships will be essential for fostering innovation while minimising environmental impact.

The journey towards sustainable AI is not just a technological challenge but a societal imperative.

As AI continues to transform our world, ensuring its development aligns with environmental sustainability goals is vital for the long-term viability of both the tech industry and the planet.

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