Just 13% of sustainability leaders say that environmental impact is a ‘major consideration’ in their companies’ responsible AI strategies, according to a new report by The Conference Board.
As it noted, close to a third (31%) of leaders say that environmental considerations rank behind ethics, bias, and security when it comes to the responsible rollout of AI, while 42% say that it is a minor consideration, or not considered at all.
Just 4% of respondents said that sustainability is core to all responsible AI efforts at their company, while 9% state that it is a ‘major consideration’, but not the primary focus.
‘Impossible to ignore’
“As AI investment continues at record pace, its environmental footprint is becoming impossible to ignore,” commented Andrew Jones, author of the report and principal researcher at The Conference Board. “Data centres already account for a growing share of US electricity demand, and water use is rising as AI workloads scale.
“Yet the same technology is also unlocking new tools for decarbonisation, grid optimisation, and operational efficiency. In 2026, the leading companies will be those that take a dual lens – managing AI’s resource demands while harnessing AI to accelerate sustainability outcomes.”
When asked to identify their top concerns about the environmental footprint of AI, 63% of respondents cited data centre energy demand, followed by 58% that cited energy consumption, 56% that cited emissions from electricity use, and 37% that cited water use.
Supporting role
In addition, the study found that three fifths (60%) of leaders are using AI to achieve their environmental objectives, most commonly for disclosure and reporting (34%).
Other uses cited include 22% that are using AI to assist with carbon accounting and emissions tracking, 15% that are using AI for climate risk modelling and scenario analysis, and 12% that are using AI to track circularity, waste, and water management.
“AI’s environmental story is not only about its footprint – it is also a promising toolkit for sustainability performance,” added Brian Campbell, leader of The Conference Board Governance & Sustainability Centre.
“While early applications centre on reporting and disclosure, the highest-value opportunities lie in emerging operational uses that can drive far greater environmental impact.”
The survey drew on responses from more than 60 corporate sustainability leaders at large US and multinational companies. Read more here.
