Counting AI’s environmental cost

New guidance highlights the environmental footprint of AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Businesses need to account for these emissions, particularly Scope 3, as AI adoption grows. This involves tracking energy consumption and data center usage.
Key takeaways
- AI tools contribute to corporate carbon footprints.
- Scope 3 emissions reporting now includes AI services.
- Data center energy use is a key environmental factor.
- Businesses must track AI's sustainability impact.
Why it matters
As AI tools become integral to business operations, understanding their environmental impact is crucial for sustainability reporting. Organizations must now consider the energy demands of AI services, influencing procurement decisions and operational efficiency strategies.


