Sustainability Magazine February 2026 Issue 66 | Page 115

AI IN SUSTAINABILITY
HEADQUARTERS: BENGALURU, INDIA EMPLOYEES: 320,000
INDUSTRY: IT SERVICES AND CONSULTING
COUNTRIES: 59
What sustainability benefits could AI bring? LSE and Systemiq’ s study shows that AI’ s potential reductions outweigh the estimated extra emissions associated with increased data centre power use for AI applications. This is estimated to fall between 0.4-1.6 GtCO₂e and potential reductions could all between 3.3-5.4 GtCO₂e.
While the research shows AI’ s emission reduction potential is large, the analysis only covers three sectors and does not model system-wide spillover or rebound effects. It also does not account for AI’ s impacts on investment or job creation.
“ Policymakers must create enabling conditions for AI deployment, provide financial incentives for research and development, and ensure that AI applications are directed toward public goods and high-impact areas,” the paper says.
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