Managers ignore the power guzzler in the data center
AI data centers are consuming ever greater amounts of energy and water. Yet many European managers are ignoring this development. In German companies, for example, the associated environmental risks have so far caused little concern. This is the result of a recent AI survey.
Every month, the technology consultancy Expleo publishes its AI sentiment barometer «Expleo AI Pulse». This is based on a survey conducted in Germany, the United Kingdom and France. It provides representative sentiment on the use of artificial intelligence in companies.
«Artificial intelligence requires a lot of resources, but the impact on the environment is often ignored,» says Dr. Yusuf Erdogan, Country Lead Digital & Technology at Expleo Germany. «Our survey reveals this discrepancy: Although the ecological footprint is growing, awareness of this is not yet reaching many management levels.»
The main question of the current «Expleo AI Pulse» focuses on the ecological impact of AI technologies. Only 13% of managers stated that they were «very concerned», while a further 29% were «somewhat concerned». This shows that a clear majority rate the environmental impact of AI as a low risk so far. German managers are particularly relaxed: only 30% of them are concerned, which is the lowest figure in the comparison. In France, the proportion of those concerned is 44% and in the UK it is as high as 55%.
The advantages of using AI outweigh the disadvantages
At the same time, the survey shows that German managers predominantly rate the benefits of AI for their own company positively. 70 percent primarily see benefits for their business, while only 14 percent give greater weight to the risks. France is more reserved at 61%, while British managers are particularly optimistic (75%).
According to Yusuf Erdogan, many companies are currently in a transitional phase: «There are often already numerous pilot projects, but there are still no clear standards behind them. As practice increases, it will become clear where AI creates sustainable added value. British companies have traditionally been more willing to experiment here.»
Stable basic sentiment towards AI
Despite differing perceptions, the general sentiment towards AI remains consistently positive. At 67 points, the European AI Pulse Sentiment Score in November is almost unchanged from the previous month. The UK leads the ranking with 70 points, followed by Germany with 67 points and France with 64 points.
According to Expleo manager Erdogan, a strong commitment to AI technology is essential for a successful business future. However, the industry must also take sustainability into account: «Responsible AI means combining ecological, regulatory and ethical responsibility with clear business models. This balancing act will determine success or failure on the market in the future.»
Source: Expleo
