Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  April 24, 2024

Salesforce Introduces Sustainable AI Policy Principles

Salesforce announced its new framework guiding AI regulation to minimize environmental impact and spur climate innovation. The Sustainable AI Policy Principles call for prioritizing responsible development of AI technology to allow organizations to make a positive impact while ensuring continued equity and sustainability.

Due to the enormous power AI requires to function, its environmental impacts may include increased energy demand, carbon emissions, water depletion and resource extraction. Therefore, policy priorities include managing and measuring the environmental impacts of AI by requiring emissions disclosures, adding environmental impact as a risk factor, and establishing efficiency standards for high-risk AI systems.

Salesforce notes that AI's ability to analyze vast datasets, identify patterns, and predict outcomes holds the potential to revolutionize approaches to environmental stewardship. Government policies designed to incentivize and enable AI tools for climate action can accelerate innovation and unlock critical societal benefits. Acceleration should include enhancing climate modeling, data analysis, and predictive capabilities; encouraging public-private partnerships; and AI-driven innovation.

Salesforce also selected five new nonprofits for its Salesforce Accelerator – AI for Impact, which focuses on climate action. This accelerator cohort will empower purpose-driven organizations to leverage AI solutions in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, including climate mitigation, climate adaptation and resilience, and climate finance. Salesforce will support the selected organizations with technology, investments and philanthropy to help them create AI solutions.

“With AI changing how we live and work, it is more critical than ever that we develop the technology so it’s equitable and sustainable,” said Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer, Salesforce, in a statement. “We’re excited to support climate nonprofits who are committed to sustainable and equitable AI innovation. Setting clear policies to guide and advocate for responsible AI development is also crucial for our company and our ecosystem of ecopreneurs, partners, and customers. Together, we can accelerate efforts to ensure technology benefits everyone, everywhere.”

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