# Is universities’ AI embrace undermining their net-zero targets? **Author:** Juliette Rowsell **Published:** 17 August 2026 **Length:** 10 mins (2,560 words) ## In Summary Juliette Rowsell examines the tension between universities’ net-zero commitments and expanding adoption of generative AI. Drawing on institutional responses and a Jisc–EAUC report, she highlights data-centre energy and water demands alongside the difficulty of measuring AI-related emissions when suppliers disclose limited information. The article distinguishes conventional machine-learning applications that can reduce energy use from less substantiated environmental benefits attributed to generative AI. Rather than advocating withdrawal, contributors call for transparent procurement, critical AI literacy and collective institutional action. **Source:** [https://www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/universities-ai-embrace-undermining-their-net-zero-targets](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/universities-ai-embrace-undermining-their-net-zero-targets) ## What might this mean for us? Could Electric Dreams make environmental impact an explicit consideration when evaluating AI pilots, alongside pedagogy, inclusion and academic agency? The article raises questions about the responsibilities of institutions and suppliers rather than individual students. How might we document the educational value of particular uses, demand credible energy and water data, and preserve meaningful alternatives where AI is not necessary? ## Links in this reading - [AI and Environmental Sustainability in Post-16 Education: A Practical Guide, Jisc and EAUC](https://repository.jisc.ac.uk/10589/1/AI-sustainability-guide-EAUC-partnership.pdf) - [Confronting the Climate Emergency, Universities UK](https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2021-10/confronting-the-climate-emergency.pdf) - [Google 2026 Environmental Report](https://sustainability.google/reports/google-2026-environmental-report/) - [Data-centre water consumption research, npj Clean Water](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41545-021-00101-w) - [University of Manchester and Microsoft AI partnership](https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/world-first-ai-partnership-between-the-university-of-manchester-and-microsoft-announced/) - [Universities should demand emissions data from AI firms, Times Higher Education](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/universities-should-demand-emissions-data-ai-firms)