Capgemini and Ecole normale supérieure Unite for AI Sustainability
ENS Press Contact:
Lola Melkonian
lola@buzzdistrict.com / +33 6 09 38 67 84
Romain Pigenel romain.pigenel@ens.psl.eu
Capgemini Press Contact:
Victoire Grux
Tel.: + 33 6 04 52 16 55
E-mail: victoire.grux@capgemini.com
Launching a Global Observatory to Address AI’s Environmental Impact
With the aim of analyzing and mitigating the environmental impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a collaborative initiative has emerged from Capgemini and the Ecole normale supérieure. This global Observatory is poised to investigate the environmental footprint of AI across its entire lifecycle, from its training phases to its eventual end-of-life.
The increasing integration of AI technologies, particularly generative AI, has opened up remarkable opportunities in various industries. However, this growth has raised pressing concerns about the ecological effects associated with its extensive energy and water consumption, as well as its considerable carbon emissions. Recent studies from Capgemini's research team have outlined alarming statistics, indicating that advanced generative AI models consume 4,600 times more energy than their conventional counterparts. Furthermore, predictions suggest a dramatic increase in electricity usage associated with AI, potentially rising 24.4 times by the year 2030. Such findings underscore the urgent need for a concerted approach among all participants in the AI value chain to tackle these challenges effectively.
To address these pressing environmental challenges, the global Observatory aims to unite a diverse community of experts from academia, business, and civil society. This collaborative effort is designed to:
- Establish robust methodologies for measuring the environmental impact of AI technologies.
- Develop an open-access global database to promote transparency and encourage AI developers to share performance metrics.
- Foster sustainable practices within the AI community.
- Provide strategic guidance and disseminate vital knowledge across various sectors.
- Unite critical stakeholders to ensure comprehensive action.
“At the ENS-PLS, we are committed to the belief that effective research can catalyze positive societal change,” noted Anne Bouverot, Chairwoman of the ENS-PLS Board of Directors. “The Observatory embodies this connection between research and actionable outcomes, reflecting our pledge to provide informed solutions regarding artificial intelligence and its multifactorial impacts.”
Marc Mézard, Chairman of the AI and Society Institute, further emphasized this vision, stating, “By establishing this Observatory, we aim to address public and institutional needs regarding the intricate relationship between AI and the environment.”
Etienne Grass, Managing Director of Capgemini Invent France, highlighted the practical implications of AI development: “While businesses seek efficiency, the reality is that large AI models come with significant environmental footprints and higher operational costs. To responsibly utilize this powerful technology, we must establish clear and open methodologies in collaboration with all stakeholders involved in the AI value chain.”
Capgemini has previously initiated various studies focusing on sustainable AI practices, including comprehensive surveys involving senior executives from major enterprises across multiple countries. These studies aim to establish methodologies for curating and evaluating the environmental impacts of AI-related business operations, to ensure responsible usage in the future.
About Ecole normale supérieure
The Ecole normale supérieure, situated in the heart of Paris, is a prestigious institution offering excellent research training. As a hybrid of a grande école and a university, ENS plays a crucial role in forming senior executives in public and private sectors, while also contributing to the advancement of scientific and technological research.
About the AI and Society Institute
Founded through collaboration among Université Paris Dauphine, PSL, and the Abeona Foundation, the AI and Society Institute promotes the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence, focusing on its societal interactions.
About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global partner in business and technology transformation, dedicated to helping organizations pursue their sustainable transitions. With around 340,000 professionals across more than 50 countries, Capgemini leverages over 55 years of transformative experience to deliver comprehensive services powered by market-leading capabilities in AI, cloud, and data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Observatory launched by Capgemini and ENS?
The Observatory aims to analyze and mitigate the environmental impacts of AI throughout its lifecycle, promoting sustainable practices in the industry.
Who are the key players involved in this initiative?
Key players include Capgemini, the Ecole normale supérieure, and the AI and Society Institute, along with various experts from academia and civil society.
What environmental issues are associated with AI?
The issues primarily relate to energy consumption, carbon footprint, and water usage, which are significantly amplified in the context of generative AI models.
What measures will the Observatory take to address these challenges?
The Observatory will establish methodologies for measuring environmental impacts, create an open-access database, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
How does Capgemini's previous research relate to this Observatory?
Capgemini's earlier research focused on sustainable AI and sought to quantify the environmental impacts of AI technologies, forming a foundation for this new collaborative initiative.
