Solving the AI paradox: Sustainability and business value in enterprise deployments

Generative AI and large language models have become deeply embedded in business operations and everyday life at an unprecedented pace.

This growth comes at a cost, driving higher emissions, resource consumption, land use, and compute demand.

However, many organizations are unable to quantify the environmental impact of AI.

The complexity of the AI value chain creates gaps in leaders’ knowledge

Our research shows that there is an environmental awareness gap in many leadership teams. Only 12% of organizations currently measure the impact of their generative models. This lack of visibility stems from challenges in measurement, inadequate reporting, low transparency, infrastructure variability, and overlooked optimization opportunities.

Charting a course for more sustainable AI operations

Our experts think that it takes a holistic view to really make the difference.

Capgemini’s methodology helps organizations take control of the resource risks and costs of AI across three key phases we call: “Anticipate, Monitor, and Embed,” uncovering the hidden layers of the value chain.

Explore our point of view

Read our point of view by Capgemini experts Philippe Cordier, Maik Schwalm, Franco Amalfi, and Martin Chauvin and explore the paradox between AI’s potential to advance sustainability goals and its environmental impact.

Solve the AI paradox with Capgemini

Capgemini brings together recognized leadership in data, AI, and sustainability to deliver a more practical, responsible, and environmentally conscious approach to AI at scale.

Explore how our methodology can help you unravel the AI paradox of impact and potential for your organization.

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Meet our experts

Philippe brings over 20 years of experience driving innovation and transformation programs across the energy sector. His expertise spans the whole energy value chain — oil and gas, renewables, hydrogen and electricity retail. Obsessed with value creation, he leverages his experience in industrial operations and large-scale AI transformation programs to help organizations navigate the frantic technology landscape and accelerate their transformation. His global industry and technological perspective gives him a pragmatic yet strategic approach to problem solving to ensure global scaling.

As an expert on sustainability in the field of cloud infrastructure services, I work with my team to advise companies on digital transformation with a focus on decarbonization in IT, achieving cost and sustainability goals in the process. In addition to the enormous challenges, I can also see numerous opportunities for better climate protection and improved life quality.

A recognized sustainability expert and global thought leader in digital transformation, with over 25 years of experience advising public and private sector executives worldwide. He currently serves as Global Sustainability AI Ecosystem Lead, where he leads efforts to bring innovative AI enabled sustainability solutions with partners to market across industries.

Recognized for his expertise in the environmental impact of AI, Martin has delivered more than a dozen data science projects spanning AI footprint assessment, satellite imagery, and carbon measurement, and has co-authored scientific publications on evaluating the environmental footprint of AI — both at corporate scale and for individual models. Combining deep data science expertise with a focus on sustainability, Martin helps organizations understand and reduce the environmental cost of their AI systems as they scale