GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
ig Tech companies have positioned themselves at the forefront of the global effort to achieve net zero. But despite having ambitious targets and high-profile sustainability initiatives, the sector faces mounting scrutiny over both its progress and the credibility of its pledges – especially as the rapid expansion of AI drives up energy demands and emissions.
However, AI – although somewhat part of the problem – is also part of the solution.
The latest generation of AI models require immense computational power, running on thousands of high-performance GPUs in hyperscale data centres. These facilities demand constant power and advanced cooling, pushing energy use to new heights.
But by optimising energy systems, enhancing data analysis and driving innovation, AI has the ability to significantly reduce emissions and improve sustainability across sectors.
According to the International Energy Agency( IEA), data centres are projected to consume more than 1,000TWh of electricity globally by 2026 – roughly equivalent to the annual consumption of Japan.
Microsoft’ s electricity use has tripled since 2020, contributing to a 30 % rise in its carbon emissions.
Fellow Big Tech giant Google’ s greenhouse gas emissions have soared 48 % since 2019, with its 2024 Environmental Report revealing a 13 % year-on-year increase, largely due to AI and data centre expansion.
180 August 2025