Jisc and the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) have launched new guidance to help universities and colleges address the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI). The resource was introduced at the 2026 EAUC annual conference and is designed to support post‑16 education institutions in balancing the rapid adoption of AI tools with sustainability goals.
The guidance highlights both risks and opportunities associated with AI use. It notes that while AI is increasingly embedded in teaching, research, and campus operations, sustainability considerations are often overlooked. Challenges include limited transparency from technology providers regarding energy, water, and carbon outputs, as well as rising levels of electronic waste linked to hardware lifecycles.
The document also outlines practical opportunities for AI to support sustainability, such as optimizing campus energy use, enabling climate research, extending equipment lifespans through predictive maintenance, automating carbon accounting, and using digital simulations to reduce reliance on energy‑intensive physical processes. Institutions are encouraged to critically assess vendor claims and focus on evidence‑based applications.
Practical steps recommended include auditing AI use, requesting environmental data from suppliers, integrating sustainability into AI training programs, strengthening governance, and encouraging responsible use of generative AI. The guidance emphasizes that collective action across the sector will be essential to improve transparency, reporting standards, and supplier accountability.
Cal Innes, sustainability subject specialist at Jisc, noted that the pace of AI adoption often exceeds institutions’ ability to manage its consequences, particularly environmental impacts. He explained that members had requested practical and trustworthy support, which the guide aims to provide.
Charlotte Bonner, CEO of EAUC, stated that the guidance reflects collaboration between the two organizations and insights from practitioners across the sector. She emphasized that while the resource does not provide all the answers, it offers a practical reflection of current knowledge and marks the beginning of a broader program to support sustainable AI adoption.
The guide calls for universities, colleges, and sector bodies to work together in requesting clearer environmental data from AI providers, sharing knowledge, and engaging with evolving digital sustainability standards. To support these efforts, Jisc and EAUC will host an online masterclass on AI and environmental sustainability on July 14, 2026, alongside additional resources to help institutions embed sustainability considerations into procurement, governance, and policy development.
Click here to read the original press release.
