In response to growing environmental concerns, Singapore is taking important steps towards sustainable technology. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) is dedicated to ensuring that the tech sector flourishes while honoring our climate commitments.
One significant initiative is the Green Data Centre Roadmap, aimed at expanding the data centre capacity by at least 300 megawatts while ensuring that energy is used efficiently. They also updated the Green Mark for Data Centres for 2024, raising the standards for sustainability in these facilities.
The MDDI is exploring new regulations to boost data centre sustainability and is engaging with the industry to create a framework tailored for Singapore. Last year, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched programs like the Green Software Trials. These trials aim to assess methods for lowering carbon emissions in software through techniques such as AI optimization and resource redistribution.
The global challenge of managing the energy demands of generative AI isn’t limited to Singapore. The European Union has taken a proactive approach by introducing the first legal framework for AI, which emphasizes energy consumption reporting and sustainable practices.
In Singapore, companies are already taking action. DBS, the largest bank in the country, has a strategy focused on minimizing resource consumption and increasing renewable energy use. They purchase green products and carbon offsets to further their sustainability goals.
Healthcare organizations like SingHealth are also conscious of their AI resource usage. They strive to use smaller models and train AI for specific tasks, which helps in conserving energy. Associate Professor Daniel Ting mentions their project, Note Buddy, which assists healthcare professionals while being mindful of energy consumption.
For smaller businesses, their environmental impact from AI is still not fully understood. Many of them lack the resources to invest in sustainable technology, making environmental considerations seem secondary.
Technology giants are also committed to reducing their environmental footprint. Google has made significant improvements, claiming their data centers deliver four times the computing power with the same energy compared to five years ago. They’ve identified practices that could decrease energy use in AI training by up to 100 times and reduce emissions by up to 1,000 times.
IBM is dedicated to sustainable AI development as well. Their newly designed Telum II processor aims to cut energy consumption during AI training and processing. They are also working with the National University of Singapore to open a research center focused on AI innovation.
Data center operators in Singapore are implementing green technologies too. Equinix, for example, has introduced advanced cooling systems in its facilities to minimize water and energy use.
As the conversation around AI and sustainability grows, these steps reflect a collective effort towards a greener future in tech. The need for responsible practices will only increase as technology evolves. Embracing sustainability can create a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy.
For more information on sustainable AI practices, you can visit Harvard Business Review’s insights on green technology.
Check out this related article: ACEN’s Bold Climate Commitment: Planting 1 Million Trees a Year Ahead of Schedule | Power Philippines
Source linkAI,environment,climate change,artificial intelligence
