Report

AI and environmental sustainability in post-16 education

Setting out practical, evidence-informed steps to help you align your use of AI with your sustainability goals.
Cover image for the AI and environmental sustainability report

Download the full report (pdf)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already part of how colleges and universities teach, research and run services. But its environmental impact is often hard to see and even harder to measure.

Developed with the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) and launched at their annual conference, this resource focuses on what you can do now and brings together sector insight on one of the fastest-moving areas of digital transformation.

What it covers

The resource supports you to:

  • understand where AI has environmental impact across your organisation
  • ask the right questions when adopting or using AI tools and services
  • balance innovation with sustainability goals
  • take practical steps to reduce impact where possible
  • navigate uncertainty with confidence

It draws on current evidence and sector expertise, while recognising that this is a fast-changing area.

Why this matters

AI offers real opportunities to improve services, support learning and drive innovation. At the same time, it can increase demand for energy, data and infrastructure.

Taking a thoughtful approach now will help you:

  • make informed decisions about AI use
  • align digital transformation with sustainability targets
  • build long-term, responsible practice across your organisation

Get involved

This is an evolving area of work. We will continue to build the evidence base and update our guidance.

We welcome your feedback to help shape the next phase of this work.