The challenges of understanding and managing your IT and AI environmental impact are significant.  In particular, the recent growth of AI has raised many questions regarding the balance between the positive opportunities it can provide in enabling environmental management innovations versus it’s negative environmental operational impact (for example it’s significant energy consumption and how it can enable the development of fossil fuels as well). 

At recent Fit for the Future events and webinars we have as a network started to share our experiences, approaches and uncertainty of managing the environmental impact of using AI in tandem with all other IT resources. 

This virtual discussion group will provide an opportunity for you to share and collaborate on this key issue with members from across the network.  Once you have registered, we will be in touch to identify any specific topics you would like the group to focus on.  Where possible we will identify a suitable guest speaker.

Areas for discussion to include (and are not limited to):

·       Understanding (measuring & reporting on) the environmental impact of your IT/AI

·       What was the environmental impact of your IT functionality before you started using AI.  What will this impact be in the future?

·       Sustainable IT/AI principles that members have or would like to develop

·       What does a good sustainable IT/AI policy look like?

·       How do we introduce sustainable IT/AI policies, prioritise and set targets?

·       Internal communication and buy-in of sustainable IT/AI policy.  How do you embed in your organisation’s culture?  How to advocate for responsible and green tech practices in your organisation.

·       How to develop and implement an impactful sustainable IT/ strategy and action plan (including behaviour change, procurement and capital investment).  What are the immediate actions you can take?

·       How do we engage with/influence your IT/AI teams and/or external suppliers?  What are the right questions to ask?  Developing supplier questions and/or evidence requirements on their digital footprint.  

·       The AI Balancing Act: A look at the environmental challenges of AI alongside the powerful solutions it offers.

·       How do we do all of this at pace given the speed with which AI and data centres are being developed and adopted across the globe. 

All members are welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience or knowledge on this topic. The group will be of benefit to all network members, whatever your size and scope of operations/activity.  From organisations just starting off to those already delivering sustainable IT and/or AI policy and strategy there will be lots to share and collaborate on, from identifying collective challenges to learning from other approaches.