Responsible and trustworthy AI
Promoting AI that is transparent, fair, robust and subject to appropriate human oversight and accountability.
Focus area
AI & Emerging Technologies
Fostering trustworthy artificial intelligence that helps address energy and climate challenges while keeping its own footprint in view.
Why it matters
Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are developing rapidly and are increasingly embedded in everyday services and critical systems. They offer real potential to support sustainable development, for example by improving forecasts, optimising energy use and accelerating research.
Read moreShow less
These technologies also raise important questions. AI systems must be reliable, fair, transparent and subject to meaningful human oversight. Training and operating them requires computing power, and therefore energy, water and hardware. And their benefits depend on people having the skills to use, question and govern them.
The Foundation seeks to encourage an approach to AI that is both ambitious and responsible: using it where it adds genuine value for people and the planet, and being clear about its limitations and costs.
Priority themes
AI for climate and energy
Supporting applications that help forecast renewable output, optimise energy use and advance climate research.
The energy footprint of AI
Encouraging efficient models and infrastructure, and transparent reporting of the resources AI systems consume.
AI skills and literacy
Helping professionals, students and the public build the knowledge to use and assess AI critically.
Our objectives
- Promote principles and practices for trustworthy, transparent and accountable AI.
- Encourage the use of AI to optimise energy systems and support climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Raise awareness of the energy, water and hardware footprint of AI, and promote efficient approaches.
- Support proportionate use of AI, choosing simpler methods where they serve the purpose equally well.
- Contribute to AI literacy and skills development for diverse audiences.
- Follow emerging technologies with attention to their potential contribution to sustainable development.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Foundation mean by trustworthy AI?
Trustworthy AI is reliable, transparent about how it works and what it is used for, fair in its effects and subject to meaningful human oversight. It should also respect privacy and be accountable when things go wrong. The Foundation encourages these qualities to be built in from design through to deployment.
How can AI contribute to climate and energy goals?
AI can help forecast weather-dependent renewable generation, anticipate demand, detect inefficiencies and support the design of new materials and processes. These applications can make energy systems cleaner and more efficient. Their value depends on good data, careful validation and an honest comparison with simpler alternatives.
Does AI have an environmental footprint?
Yes. Training and running AI models requires computing infrastructure that consumes electricity and, in many cases, water for cooling, as well as hardware with its own manufacturing impact. The Foundation encourages efficient models, sustainable infrastructure and transparent reporting so that these costs can be understood and reduced.
Shape responsible AI with us
The Foundation welcomes collaboration on trustworthy AI and its responsible use for sustainable development.
In practice
Projects in this area
Projects in this area are being prepared
Projects and initiatives will be published here as they are launched.
Insights
News & articles in this area
News for this area will appear here
Updates, announcements and articles will appear here as they are released.
Focus areas
Explore the other focus areas
- Innovation & Digital TransformationThe Foundation works to ensure that digital innovation contributes to sustainable development, through responsible design, open data and digital inclusion.
- Renewable Energy & Energy EfficiencyThe Foundation works to accelerate the shift to renewable energy and to advance energy efficiency, storage, flexibility and smart, digitally enabled energy systems.
- Sustainability & Climate ActionThe Foundation works to support credible climate action, from emissions reduction and resilience to circular resource use and transparent measurement.
- Sustainable Data Centers & Digital InfrastructureThe Foundation works to advance data centers and digital infrastructure that use energy efficiently, run on renewable power, reuse heat, conserve water and extend hardware life.
- Education, Research & TrainingThe Foundation works to support applied research, training and open learning resources that build skills in sustainable energy, digital infrastructure and responsible technology.
