The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) has urged the Government to ensure that tech companies accurately report how much energy and water their artificial intelligence (AI) data centres are using.

While data centres can and should be designed to minimise water usage and the consumption of critical raw materials, the NEPC is calling on the Government to establish the necessary conditions for this as part of the implementation of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which it recently endorsed. This would provide an opportunity to incorporate sustainability into UK Government policy, procurement and funding decisions.

The plan aims to support the growth and responsible adoption of AI to help "boost economic growth, provide jobs for the future and improve people's everyday lives". However, growing demand for AI and data centres could have far-reaching consequences, such as competition for renewable energy or drinking water sources. Companies like Google and Microsoft have reported increased water consumption since 2020, much of it from sources of drinking water.

The NEPC’s new report, Engineering Responsible AI, developed in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BCS, the Chartered Institute of IT,  advocates for responsible AI adoption to drive growth while addressing and managing these risks. It emphasises the need for reliable data on resource use to effectively design and develop policies for sustainable infrastructure.

Emphasis is placed on the need to raise awareness about AI’s environmental effects, encouraging developers to use appropriate AI tools and smaller datasets. The report also recommends including environmental design and sustainability into computer science and AI lessons in schools and colleges.

For further information and to read the full report, please visit the Royal Academy of Engineering website.