International Standards for Artificial Intelligence and the Environment

Artificial Intelligence (AI) help optimize energy and resource efficiency and make numerous other contributions to global sustainability goals. Realizing this potential will require robust, universally accepted standards supporting environmentally responsible AI development and application. International standards provide the guidelines and benchmarks needed to measure and improve the environmental impact of AI. This review was prepared based on the ITU report “AI and the Environment – International Standards for AI and the Environment” [1] explores the environmental implications of AI and presents a summary of relevant standards available and under development. Highlights the importance of a coordinated, international approach to standardization and the need for continued engagement and cooperation across all sectors. Examines the need for international standards in artificial intelligence and their role in promoting environmental sustainability, also the relationship between AI and energy consumption. Factors influencing the environmental performance of AI (energy consumption, hardware efficiency, algorithm optimization, renewable energy, data management, and lifecycle management) are analyzed. The benefits of standardization in promoting sustainable AI are highlighted. Gaps in environmental AI standards are identified and solutions for addressing them are proposed. ITU's work aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of AI is described.