AI’s Energy Hunger Sparks Sustainability Alarm: New Report from Cornish Tech Firm Calls for Action

A new report by Truro-based digital product studio Hiyield reveals growing concerns about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, despite its immense benefits to business and personal life.

Hiyield’s AI and Sustainability Report combines insights from a survey of business decision-makers, commentary from experts in sustainability and tech, and desk research from the University of Exeter, highlighting the growing energy demands of AI. Key findings include:

• 62% of surveyed business leaders cited AI’s carbon footprint as their top sustainability concern.

• Despite its potential, just 19% of business leaders said they always trust AI’s output, indicating a need for greater transparency and accountability in AI deployment.

• AI’s energy consumption is rapidly escalating, with major tech companies struggling to meet net-zero commitments due to increased data and computing power demands.

The Climate Cost of AI

The increasing adoption of AI is driving soaring energy consumption, as models require vast computing resources to function. The training of a single large AI model can consume the same amount of energy as several hundred homes in a year, while the daily operation of AI-powered tools further compounds emissions. As businesses integrate AI into their workflows, without intervention, its environmental impact will continue to grow exponentially.

Matt Ville, Founder and CTO of Hiyield, said: “AI is an incredible tool for innovation, but we must approach its use responsibly. This report shines a light on the environmental costs of AI while offering practical steps for businesses to mitigate its impact. This means selecting the right tools for the job and ensuring we’re mindful of the environmental cost of what we create. However, while AI poses challenges, it also holds immense potential to transform businesses and daily life, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Cornwall has a proud tradition of innovation, and we’re committed to leading the way in sustainable AI practices.”

Sustainable AI: The Way Forward

The report outlines practical steps businesses can take to reduce AI’s environmental impact, including:

• Conducting carbon audits to assess the footprint of AI tools.

• Selecting energy-efficient AI models and data centres powered by renewables.

• Optimising AI use by prioritising high-impact applications and minimising unnecessary processing.

• Advocating for regulatory action to ensure AI is developed in alignment with global sustainability goals.

Chris Phillips, Impact and Partnership Development Manager at Net Zero, University of Exeter, added: “There’s no doubt that AI has the potential to significantly impact the world of sustainability and climate change. The question is whether the impact will be good or bad. There’s tremendous potential for AI to be used for good, helping us better understand supply chains, develop tools for emissions monitoring, and support actions to reverse biodiversity loss globally. However, this comes at a cost - namely energy and data. Some of the world’s largest tech companies have already failed to meet climate goals, largely due to increased energy and data usage from AI. So, can AI support the transition to a greener world? Absolutely - but it must be used responsibly, and we must remain mindful of the consequences.” 

For more information or to access the full report, visit https://hiyield.co.uk/ai-and-sustainability-report/