Driving Sustainable Youth-action through Artificial Intelligence Powered Sustainability Self-Audits in Universities

This paper explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sustainability self-audits within higher education, specifically focusing on its alignment with UNSDG 11.It examines how students engage in sustainability literacy and action through AI-powered analysis of their carbon footprint, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in fostering sustainable practices on university campuses, a global issue.Research literature underscores the significance of equipping students with sustainability knowledge and skills, recognizing their pivotal role as future leaders in addressing global challenges.To effectively measure sustainability impact, various emissions contributing to environmental degradation must be tracked, including energy consumption, transportation emissions, waste generation, and water usage.Frameworks such as those provided by the UNDP and ESG reporting standards offer valuable guidance for defining comprehensive sustainability assessment criteria.Empirical research and case studies demonstrate the efficacy of AI-driven sustainability platforms in enhancing students' awareness and engagement with sustainability issues.By providing real-time data and actionable insights, these platforms empower student leaders to monitor and evaluate the environmental impact of their activities, facilitating informed decision-making and progress towards sustainability goals within university settings.The study was conducted with over 5000 audit entries from Institutes of Higher Learning students in Singapore and South Africa.Proposing a practical toolkit for university student leaders, this paper offers a comprehensive approach to measuring the impact of sustainability initiatives.Leveraging AI technology for carbon footprint tracking and assessment enables students to align their actions with UNSDG 11 and contribute meaningfully to broader sustainability objectives.