prDS CEN/CLC/TR 18145:2025

Environmentally sustainable Artificial Intelligence

Scope

he proposed document will establish a framework for quantification of environmental impact of AI and its long-term sustainability, and
encourage AI developers and users to improve efficiency of AI use. It will also provide a summary of the state of the art of AI technology for direct control and optimisation of energy use in energy systems. The document will provide life-cycle assessment of AI development, deployment and use.

Emissions that are produced directly by combustion of fossil fuels are Scope 1 emissions. These are observed in transport system
and in fossil-fuel energy generators, and the like. AI may help reduce Scope 1 emissions via smart interventions (demand-side response, optimisation of combustion, etc.) Scope 2 are indirect emissions from electricity use, and AI will play a major role in reducing these emissions. Scope 3 are emissions produced during a life cycle of a technology – these emissions are important in assessment of AI solution and will be in scope of this project. Emissions of Scope 4 are the avoided emissions – AI has great potential in quantifying avoided emissions (carbon savings), and the report will address this as well.