Sustainable AI: The Next Frontier for Business Innovation and Responsibility

An interview with Prof. Dr. Ir. Erik Mannens, Professor at UAntwerp and Ghent University

Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape industries at a breathtaking pace.

But with this rapid advancement comes a pressing question: how do we ensure AI benefits society and the environment, and not just business?

To explore this, we sat down with Professor Erik Mannens—an esteemed researcher, pioneer in the field, and a visionary advocating for Sustainable AI (which he has written and published a book about).  

Here’s what he shared about the future of AI, its challenges, and how business leaders can take action.

A Vision for Sustainable AI

When asked about the core of Sustainable AI, Erik Mannens explains:
 

He emphasises that:

"Our goal should be a win-win: AI that drives business innovation while also helping us build a better, fairer world. That means designing systems that are responsible and long-lasting, not just optimised for short-term performance."

Why Is Sustainable AI Urgent Now?

Erik points out the real dangers we face:

"Right now, our ICT industry consumes about 10% of the world's electricity, and if we stay on this trajectory, it could reach 20% by 2030. Large language models, for instance, require enormous computational resources—think of the emissions and environmental costs involved."

He also highlights ethical concerns:

"Many AI systems are trained on biased data, which then perpetuates inequality. A classic example is a recruitment AI that favours male candidates because it learned from past data reflecting gender imbalances. That’s a societal risk we cannot ignore."

And he notes the general lack of awareness:

"Too often, business leaders focus on the hype and potential of AI without understanding the long-term sustainability impact. We need to raise that awareness urgently."

Real-World Examples of Sustainable AI

Erik shares inspiring cases: "In 2021, my team collaborated with a major pharmaceutical company to optimise a production process. We used AI to reduce the process duration from eight to six hours and cut solvent use by 25%. That’s a concrete example of how AI can deliver economic benefits while also being environmentally responsible."

But he also warns about pitfalls: "On the flip side, we see how biased data can cause harm, like Amazon’s HR system, which unintentionally favoured men. And look at the environmental footprint of training large language models—often they’re used for trivial tasks, but their energy costs are immense."

He sums it up:

"That’s why I say we should use AI purposefully. We shouldn’t deploy models just because we can; we need to ask, ‘Is this sustainable long-term?’"

How Can Business Leaders Drive Sustainable AI?

Erik offers practical advice:

"First, question your vendors. Ask: Are they using energy-efficient hardware? Is their data diverse enough to prevent bias? Transparency is vital."

"Second, focus on building robust and explainable systems," he urges. "If your AI can explain its decisions, you can monitor for bias and ensure fairness."

He suggests: "Utilise AI to optimise processes—digital twins in manufacturing, smart energy systems in buildings. These are examples where sustainability and profitability align."

And he emphasises standardisation:

"We need industry-wide labels or certifications for Sustainable AI—just like energy ratings for appliances—that benchmark performance and impact."

To conclude: "Take the long view. Don't rush deployment just for short-term gains. Responsible, well-designed AI delivers value over the entire lifecycle."

The Role of Policy and Collaboration

On regulation, Erik notes:

"Governments have a big role. The EU’s GDPR and the new AI regulations are steps forward, but we need stronger frameworks. Responsible regulation can accelerate change."

He stresses collaboration: "Academia, industry, and policymakers must work together. We’re developing standards, best practices, and trustworthy certification schemes, which can help guide responsible innovation."

He envisions: "In the future, I see global standards for Sustainable AI—labels that customers can trust—and regulatory environments that reward companies committed to ethical and environmentally sound AI."

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable AI

"Emerging technologies like neuromorphic chips and quantum computing will exponentially improve energy efficiency. We’re also seeing AI applications more directly aimed at tackling global challenges—climate change modeling, sustainable urban planning, and resource management. These innovations will reshape how we think about environmental impact."

He adds: "I believe that in the future, responsible, sustainable AI will become the industry standard. Companies that lead with purpose—integrating societal and environmental considerations from the start—will have a competitive advantage. Responsible AI is no longer just a moral choice; it’s essential for long-term success."

And he sees a critical role for international collaboration:

"No single company or nation can solve sustainability alone. We need shared standards, open knowledge exchange, and global commitments to ensure AI benefits everyone and harms no one."

A Call to Action for Business Leaders

Erik concludes with an inspiring challenge:

"AI is here, and it’s powerful. But how we use it—how responsibly we develop and deploy it—will determine its impact on the world."

He urges leaders to reflect on their own purpose:

"Ask yourself: What is the real purpose of your company? How can AI help you achieve that purpose in a way that benefits society and the environment? Embedding sustainability into your AI initiatives is not just good ethics—it's good business."

As he thoughtfully emphasises,"Remember: ‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our grandchildren.’ This is a crucial mindset. Sustainable AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. It’s about shaping a future where innovation and responsibility walk hand in hand."

Final Words

Mannens leaves us with a vision: "The most successful organisations of tomorrow will be those that lead with purpose, integrating ethical and sustainable principles into their AI strategies. It’s about building trust, fostering innovation, and ensuring that technology serves humanity—and our planet—for generations to come."

Let’s work together to forge a future where AI drives not just growth, but also equity and sustainability—because our legacy depends on it.