Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping how sustainability value can be unlocked, from accelerating decarbonisation to improving the efficiency of energy and resource systems. Yet as adoption scales, AI’s own energy and resource demands are also rising. This white paper examines how AI can advance the low-carbon transition in practice, and why understanding and managing its environmental impacts is essential to ensuring progress towards Net Zero.
AI is accelerating new business opportunities within the sustainability transition, and it’s already delivering real sustainability impact, from optimising energy systems to accelerating innovation across industry. However, for many organisations, ambition still outpaces execution. Uncertainty around where AI delivers the greatest value, how to scale it responsibly, and how to manage its environmental footprint continues to slow progress.
This white paper is designed to close that gap. Drawing on real-world case studies across energy, waste and industry, it shows where AI is creating measurable value today and where the next wave of opportunity is emerging. It challenges novelty-driven AI adoption and makes the case for intentional, value-led deployment to unlock real business value.
75% of C-suite leaders believe they cannot meet their sustainability goals without AI
At the same time, AI’s expansion introduces a significant risk. Through its growing energy and resource demands, AI can diminish sustainability gains if deployed irresponsibly. This white paper does not ignore that reality. It explores how efficiency gains, greener AI practices and smarter system design can manage AI’s footprint while sustaining innovation.
73% of data centre electricity still comes from fossil fuels
For leaders navigating this tension, the challenge is clear: harness AI’s transformative potential while keeping sustainability on track. The white paper sets out a practical pathway for moving from fragmented pilots to responsible, scalable impact. At the centre of this is a clear way of understanding where AI delivers value. Through an AI impact wheel, the paper maps how AI can support core sustainability priorities, helping organisations focus effort where it matters most.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded across organisations, its sustainability implications and potential can no longer be considered in isolation. Navigating this evolving landscape is complex, with new challenges and insights emerging as technologies mature and use cases scale. Drawing on experience working with clients, alongside the expertise of our partners, NovAzure supports organisations to:
- Identify where AI can deliver meaningful sustainability impact and long-term value
- Understand and manage the environmental trade-offs associated with AI at scale
- Move from experimentation to responsible, scalable deployment
This perspective is explored in depth in our latest white paper on AI and sustainability.
At NovAzure, we have worked with clients to help them define their AI strategy to maximise value from Sustainability. If you are wondering how you should incorporate AI in your strategy and are interested in talking, please reach out to us: Jean-Jacques Jouanna, Managing Director or Woon-Hui Oh, Partner.
