Green Intelligence 5.0: Designing a Net-Positive Digital Future through Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Sustainability, and Human Well-being

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a general-purpose layer across education, healthcare, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and governance. It can strengthen climate-risk mapping, renewable-energy forecasting, precision irrigation, biodiversity monitoring, waste sorting and early-warning systems. Yet AI is not immaterial: computation depends on electricity, cooling, water, hardware, minerals, networks and labour, while rapid equipment turnover adds to electronic waste. This paper asks how AI can be designed so that its verified benefits for people and the planet outweigh its lifecycle burdens. Using an integrative evidence-synthesis and conceptual framework approach, the paper proposes Green Intelligence 5.0, a six-pillar architecture integrating ecological responsibility, responsible AI, circular infrastructure, inclusion, human well-being and accountable governance. Three practical contributions are introduced: the GROW-AI operating model, a 30-point Green Intelligence Scorecard, and a Net-Positive-by-Design decision rule. Recent global indicators illustrate the scale of the challenge: the International Energy Agency estimated data-centre electricity use at about 415 TWh in 2024 and projects approximately 945 TWh by 2030 in its base case; the Global E-waste Monitor reported 62 billion kg of e-waste in 2022, with 22.3% documented as formally collected and recycled. These figures are presented as sourced contextual indicators, not as original measurements by the authors. The framework is mapped to SDGs 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 16, with an India-focused proposition: “AI for All, Green by Design.” The paper concludes that digital progress should be assessed by net human and planetary value—not computational scale alone.