Artificial intelligence — especially generative models like ChatGPT — is hailed as a productivity game changer. However, its environmental impact is far from negligible. Each interaction with these systems consumes an average of 519 milliliters of water — roughly a bottle — used to cool data center servers. That seemingly small figure becomes massive when multiplied across millions of users globally.

And the trend is worsening. Data center energy consumption for AI could triple by 2028, with water usage projected to reach between 4.2 and 6.6 billion cubic meters by 2027 — equivalent to Denmark’s annual consumption or half of the UK’s.

For business leaders, this isn’t just trivia — it’s a strategic wake-up call. How can we balance the efficiency gains of AI with the urgent need for sustainable, ethical practices? The answer lies in intentional choices — from selecting green suppliers to rethinking how we interact with technology.

Below, I share five ways to use AI more sustainably — and more intelligently.

1. Be direct in your interactions
🔴 Instead of: “Hi there, I’d like to know if you could maybe help me with some marketing ideas…”
✅ Try: “What are three effective digital marketing strategies for B2B businesses in 2024?”

➡️ Clarity reduces computing load. Get straight to the point.

2. Plan before asking
🔴 Unplanned: “How do I scale my company?”
✅ Try: “What are the main challenges of scaling a B2B service company with 10 employees and $100K monthly revenue?”

➡️ Well-structured questions cut down unnecessary back-and-forths.

3. Use AI with intention, not laziness
🔴 Lazy: “Write a debt collection email for me”
✅ Try: “Write a friendly debt collection email for a client who’s 15 days overdue, preserving the relationship.”

➡️ Use AI to add value — not to dodge basic tasks.

4. Group your questions
🔴 Fragmented: “What’s CAC?” “What about LTV?” “How do I calculate?”
✅ Try: “Explain how to calculate and interpret CAC and LTV in SaaS businesses, with examples.”

➡️ A well-framed query saves both time and resources.

5. Reuse what you’ve already generated
🔴 Repeating prompts weekly
✅ Build a prompt and response repository — from email templates to strategy blueprints.

➡️ Digital sustainability starts with reusability.

Conclusion:
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, it’s crucial to ask: Are we using AI ethically and sustainably, or simply adding another digital luxury to our routines? The choice is ours. As business leaders, we must guide our companies toward practices that respect not only profit — but also the planet and society.