Greener AI: Why Business Leaders Need to Act Now
Posted on October 7, 2025 by Rob May
At ramsac, we’re seeing a shift in how business leaders view artificial intelligence. What was once hailed as a frictionless, weightless innovation is now being scrutinised for its environmental footprint. Every chatbot query, automated report, or AI-generated image consumes energy and resources, often in ways that are invisible to the end user. The question is no longer whether AI has an impact on the planet, but what we are going to do about it.
The hidden environmental cost of AI
Behind the sleek interfaces of AI tools lies an immense infrastructure of data centres, servers, and networks. Training a large AI model consumes vast amounts of electricity and water, with some models equating to the carbon emissions of multiple transatlantic flights. Once deployed, these systems continue to draw power every time a user interacts with them.
Businesses often adopt AI because of its promise of speed and efficiency, but few consider the environmental weight of scaling these tools across their operations. This disconnect isn’t sustainable, and as awareness grows, it’s becoming a key consideration for boards and leadership teams.
Why sustainability in tech is becoming a boardroom issue
Sustainability is no longer a peripheral conversation. Investors, customers, and employees expect organisations to take responsibility for their environmental impact, including their IT operations. Regulations are beginning to emerge, and forward-thinking businesses are already positioning themselves to stay ahead of these changes.
Embedding environmental considerations into your AI strategy can:
- Strengthen ESG credentials
- Reduce energy costs over time
- Protect your organisation’s reputation in an increasingly conscious marketplace
At ramsac, we believe this isn’t about slowing down progress, it’s about shaping it responsibly.
Steps ramsac recommends to audit and reduce your digital carbon footprint
For organisations looking to take action, we suggest:
✅ Auditing your current AI use: Understand where and how AI is being deployed and what infrastructure supports it.
✅ Evaluating suppliers: Partner with cloud providers who are transparent about their energy use and are investing in renewable energy.
✅ Considering AI PCs and edge computing: Reducing reliance on centralised data centres by shifting certain workloads to local devices.
✅ Optimising usage policies: Encourage teams to use AI tools thoughtfully, focusing on value-driven applications rather than default automation.
Making “Greener AI” part of your ESG narrative
Incorporating greener AI practices into your ESG strategy is not just good for the planet, it’s good for business. It demonstrates leadership, innovation, and a commitment to long-term resilience. Organisations that start now will be ahead of the curve when environmental reporting on digital operations becomes mandatory.
A call to lead, not lag
At ramsac, we work alongside IT leaders to help them balance performance with responsibility. By embedding sustainability into your AI strategy today, you can ensure your organisation is equipped to thrive in a future where environmental considerations are front and centre.
Let ramsac help you design IT strategies that balance performance with responsibility. Together, we can make AI part of the solution, not just part of the problem.
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