Did you know that one ChatGPT query consumes approximately five times more electricity than a standard web search?
It’s true. So, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more and more embedded into our business and personal lives, it’s important that we ask – how does AI affect the planet?
At MOMENTUM, we’re passionate about efficiency and sustainability. So, when we learned more about the environmental impact of AI, it encouraged us to explore how we can use it more consciously.
The Energy Behind the Prompts
From the training of these tools prior to publishing, to fine tuning and daily interactions by millions of users after publication, generative AI models (like ChatGPT) require large amounts of energy. This electricity usage puts additional pressure on the electric grid and increases carbon dioxide emissions. And AI servers require masses of chilled water to cool down the hardware.
Is AI the Problem or Solution?
It’s worth nothing that AI is not the only form of tech that affects the planet. All technology has a carbon cost. Even emails, streaming and cloud storage all carry their own invisible footprint.
Despite the environmental impacts, the benefits of using AI are vast and shouldn’t be ignored. In fact, it is helping many businesses reduce waste, optimise energy use, cut down unnecessary admin and boost productivity! For example, AI tools are helping businesses automate low-value admin tasks, streamline customer service, reduce energy-heavy commuting, and even power sustainable logistics models.
It’s about how we use it — and how consciously we integrate it into our businesses that we should be mindful of.
So, how can we direct AI towards outcomes that will offset its cost?
- Choose sustainable companies
At the moment, the majority of generative AI companies rely on non-renewable energy sources to fuel their data centres. So, to stay on the path to sustainability, choose providers that use renewable energy (or those who with set goals of only using renewable sources).
- Smarter usage
In choosing sustainability, we have to work smarter and be careful not to overuse generative AI. There is no need to generate 10 versions of content when just 1 version will do! We should choose quality over quantity when using models like ChatGPT – being detailed and precise with your first request avoids the need for additional content generation. Being more efficient with your AI prompts/requests is better for your business and the environment.
Another smarter way of using AI is to use it for tasks that reduce other energy waste elsewhere. Using AI to cut out unnecessary meetings and travel can save your own time and energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Stay informed
Finally, we can keep up on the most eco-friendly AI trends and innovations. By staying informed and aware, we can use our knowledge in our businesses.
Like any powerful tool, AI comes with a footprint – but it also brings massive potential. The future of AI is being shaped now – and as business owners, we get to decide whether we use it mindlessly or mindfully.
If you’re unsure how to efficiently use AI within your business, we’re here and happy to help in a way that works for you and the planet!
Because at MOMENTUM, we believe in using tech to make life easier without compromising our values or our planet.
T: 01903 910546