Artificial intelligence represents both a sustainability tool and a sustainability stress test for real assets.
At the micro level, AI improves how buildings are managed, measured and retrofitted. At the macro level, it drives electricity demand growth, strains grids and, in some markets, forces greater reliance on high-carbon power. Its impact depends on marginal energy mix, grid capacity and the pace of electrification.
In markets where renewable generation is expanding fast enough to meet new electricity demand and displace fossil fuels, AI-related load growth may complicate, but not necessarily derail decarbonisation. Where incremental demand is met by gas, coal or delayed fossil-fuel retirement, AI deepens the sustainability challenge, rather than resolving it.
“What we are seeing is a mismatch in where and when impacts occur,” explains Trey Archer, global head of business development at GRESB.
“At the system level, AI is contributing to rising
