Making AI helpful for everyone, including the planet (sustainability.google)

In 2024, Google unveiled significant advancements in environmentally friendly AI applications, claiming that five of its products helped reduce an estimated 26 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is comparable to the annual energy use of over 3.5 million U.S. homes. This initiative underscores Google’s commitment to integrating AI with climate action, as its fuel-efficient routing technology contributed to emissions reductions equivalent to removing 630,000 gas-powered cars from the roads for a year. Additional tools, such as the solar savings estimator utilizing AI and satellite imagery, empower individuals to make informed decisions about solar energy use. Moreover, Google has made strides in enhancing resource efficiency within its operations. The company has reduced data center energy emissions by 12% and replenished 64% of its freshwater consumption while procuring over 8 GW of clean energy in 2024. Notably, Google’s new custom AI chips (TPUs) known as Ironwood are nearly 30 times more power-efficient than their earlier models, indicating significant progress in AI hardware efficiency. These developments not only reflect advancements in technology but also highlight the potential for AI to drive systemic change in sustainability, positioning Google as a leader in harnessing AI for global impact.