Can AI be sustainable?

Why the public sector needs a sustainable AI strategy now

This report is a must-read for strategic planners and policy makers in the public sector. It investigates the environmental implications of AI, weighing its considerable energy and resource demands against its promise to drive sustainable innovation.

In this report you’ll find:

The costs of haphazard AI use in the form of increased emissions
The potential of AI for environmental protection and climate action
How strategic AI use is already lowering emissions
Real-world case studies of AI used for sustainability
A roadmap to sustainable AI with practical steps

The path forward isn’t about choosing between innovation and responsibility – it’s about building a strategy that gives us the best of both worlds. Here’s how public sector leaders can reduce emissions, improve services, and lead the way to a global standard for sustainable AI.

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Capgemini Research Institute

Sustainable Gen AI

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A man wearing glasses and a blue tie, looking confidently at the camera.

“We are dedicated to fostering thought leadership and developing innovative strategies to support authorities in achieving their sustainability objectives, with a focus on ecology, economy, and social responsibility. The principle ‘Think globally, act locally’ serves as our fundamental guiding philosophy. AI represents a significant technological advancement that propels us toward a sustainable future. By leveraging AI capabilities, we can develop solutions that enhance efficiency while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of our planet for future generations.”

A man in a suit and tie, smiling cheerfully, conveying a professional demeanor.

“Now that the initial hype around AI has subsided, it’s time to focus on building solid foundations. In the public sector, AI holds significant potential as a strategic enabler for sustainability—but only if developed and deployed with foresight and responsibility. We must ensure that AI systems help unlock critical levers for transformation without becoming part of the problem themselves. Preparing now, with an eye on long-term societal and environmental impact, is key to using this technology meaningfully and sustainably.”

A man wearing a green suit and tie stands confidently, showcasing a stylish and professional appearance.

“We live in a time of profound transformation, where the pace of change challenges the very foundations of how we govern, plan, and serve. The public sector stands at a critical crossroads—tasked with not only navigating uncertainty but actively shaping a future that is just, resilient, and sustainable. Technology, when aligned with public values, becomes a powerful accelerator—enabling us to confront energy transitions, climate resilience, and societal shifts with agility and foresight. But this acceleration must be guided by purpose. Only by embedding sustainability and equity into the core of innovation can we ensure that progress serves the many, not the few.”

Why the public sector needs a sustainable AI strategy now

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Sustainable Gen AI

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Helge Maas

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Felix Caspari

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Tom van den Nieuwenhuijzen

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