IT Sustainability Think Tank: Progess in decarbonisation made in 2025, but gaps remain | Computer Weekly

"More businesses understand the environmental impact of new technologies and there is a more concerted effort to convene capabilities to mitigate environmental consequences and improve the resilience of energy supply chains. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is still the centre of the conversation, but the question remains as to how we can maximise the benefits of AI while mitigating the environmental consequences of increased dependence on the technology. This is where enabling deep tech companies to scale will be key."

"As it stands, AI is responsible for 5-15% of datacentre power use and is expected to grow to 35-50% by 2030. Based on this increase, there are still challenges to solve around sustainable AI, particularly the impact of datacentres and the opportunity to leverage thermal energy to support the UK's energy supply chain. At Digital Catapult, we accelerate the practical application of deep tech to equip the UK to be future-ready."

"While research highlights environmental consequences of new technologies, gaps remain in how these consequences can be communicated to business owners, and how business leaders can in turn mitigate problems further down the line. Many recognise the need to embrace deep tech innovation and integrate AI into their operations, but don't yet know how to cut emissions and improve efficiency. In fact, research by Salesforce found that the most pressing challenge for sustainability professionals is a knowledge gap around AI"

Reflecting on 2025, the path to decarbonising technology is becoming clearer with the UK government's Carbon Budget Delivery Plan and Industrial Strategy. Businesses increasingly recognise environmental impacts of new technologies and are convening capabilities to mitigate consequences and strengthen energy supply resilience. AI remains central and raises questions about maximising benefits while minimising environmental costs. AI currently uses 5-15% of datacentre power and could reach 35-50% by 2030, presenting sustainable AI challenges and opportunities to reuse datacentre thermal energy. Digital Catapult accelerates deep tech application, delivering interventions and programmes to ensure responsible, sustainable innovation while addressing market and knowledge gaps on AI and sustainability.

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