One of the main challenges is the high energy demand of the technology and its sustainability. According to a Gartner report, the growing adoption of GenAI will lead to a significant increase in energy consumption, with ICT electricity use increasing annually by 25% or more.

While AI helps improve productivity and optimize processes, companies must face the challenge of implementing energy-intensive AI capabilities without compromising their sustainability and energy efficiency goals, and maintaining data sovereignty.

Sustainability goals in the age of AI

In this context, Dell Technologies suggests four recommendations for companies to adopt and integrate AI, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency:

  1. Optimize efficiency in the data center: Adopting energy-efficient infrastructure is an effective way to foster sustainability in an organization’s data center. AI can support this initiative by improving efficiency and the company’s ability to monitor and control its carbon footprint. By carefully designing their IT environment based on their priorities, companies can balance reducing their physical footprint, increasing efficiency and provide the necessary capacity to grow. According to the Dell GenAI Pulse 2023 report, 37% of respondents indicated that their data and intellectual property is too valuable to place in a GenAI tool accessible by third parties. By bringing AI to their data, they can maintain data sovereignty while leveraging the benefits of GenAI.

As AI helps increase productivity and drive more efficient processes, businesses are challenged to adopt energy-intensive AI capabilities without compromising sustainability goals.

  1. Adopt an aaS model: The as a Service (aaS) model facilitates AI transformation while advancing sustainability. Demand for flexible consumption models is increasing and the increased agility they offer is ideal for optimizing the deployment of AI workloads. According to a Forrester study, 88% of companies anticipate sustainability benefits from adopting an aaS model and 65% expect savings of more than 10% by doing so. By opting for an aaS model, businesses can reduce costs while gaining more control over their applications and data, allowing them to modernize their IT environment and scale with AI when necessary.
  2. Implement AI without compromising energy efficiency: Devices today are designed and manufactured with sustainability in mind, in addition to having smart AI-enabled features that keep users productive. In this sense, applying power settings appropriate to performance requirements, turning off devices at the end of the day, and using rechargeable and USB-powered peripherals can help improve energy efficiency.
  3. Use AI to chart a roadmap to sustainability: Adopting energy efficient infrastructure is a way to advance sustainability. However, AI adoption is an organization-wide issue. To make the most of these opportunities, companies must take a comprehensive approach, bringing together leaders from across the organization to collaborate and integrate AI-based strategies into all areas of their operations.
Alex Chen
Alex Chen

Alex Chen serves as the chief editor of Asia Tech Journal, bringing over a decade of experience in technology journalism. Previously writing for several globally renowned publications, Alex is celebrated for his insightful analyses and in-depth reporting on tech trends across Asia. Passionate about innovation, Alex specializes in the dynamic technology ecosystem of China and its global impacts.