Making Ai An Ally In Driving Sustainability

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The sudden boom of data centres in Malaysia has sparked conversations nationwide, from high-level boardrooms to humble coffee shops.
It stirred a blend of excitement and unease among people from all walks of life. Many see this as a sign of progress and economic growth, but it also raises critical questions around data ownership and environmental sustainability.
Like any powerful tool, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) depends on how it is used and who controls it, ultimately determining whether it truly benefits society as a whole.
Amid this transformation, the launch of AI Malaysia represents a crucial step to ensure technological progress aligns with sustainability goals.
As part of the MyDigital initiative, AI Malaysia unites government bodies, academic institutions, and industry leaders to promote responsible AI development that benefits the public, empowers communities, and safeguards the environment.
At the same time, Malaysia’s push for digital literacy is gaining strong momentum. Over a million people have completed the AI untuk Rakyat programme in less than six months, beating the original one-year target since its launch last year.
This surge in participation, as reported by MyDigital Corporation, reflects a growing public interest in AI and its role in the country’s digital transformation.
Greening data centres
As digital demand grows, the rapid expansion of data centres is expected to strain energy reserves, water resources, and infrastructure capacity.
These data centres consume large amounts of electricity to power servers and cooling systems, and also rely heavily on water for temperature control, raising serious concerns about sustainability and long-term environmental impact.
However, with better design and management, data centres can also become models of efficiency and sustainability.
For instance, AI-powered HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems can play a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of cooling systems in data centres.
Smarter energy with AI
High-performance equipment, like GPUs and processors used for AI model training, often runs at full capacity for long periods, generating a lot of heat.
This creates a need for efficient cooling to prevent overheating, which can lead to poor performance, hardware damage, and higher operational costs.
At Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters, AI-powered HVAC systems help manage this by monitoring temperature, air quality, and occupancy in real time, adjusting heat and cooling as needed to maintain comfort and reduce energy waste.
According to Univers, a global leader in AI for energy, AI-driven HVAC technology can cut energy costs by up to 20 percent, reduce maintenance costs by 30 percent, and improve indoor environmental quality by 20 percent.
Beyond energy savings, the optimisation of cooling systems also leads to more efficient water use.
This highlights the potential of AI to not only lower operational costs but also promote sustainability and occupant well-being in modern smart buildings.
Smarter transportation with AI
Similarly, SMRT trains in Singapore are leveraging predictive AI to optimise energy use for HCAV systems across its train stations, without compromising commuter comfort.
This initiative is part of SMRT’s broader Intelligent Facilities Management (IFM) strategy to drive energy efficiency throughout its operations.
According to SMRT Corporation, the energy savings achieved through these AI-driven optimisations are significant, equivalent to the average annual electricity usage of around 1,500 four-room public housing flats.
Furthermore, estimates from Univers suggest that implementing AI-based Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) optimisation could deliver an additional five to 10 percent reduction in energy use for SMRT trains.
AI solutions like Google’s DeepMind are reshaping urban transportation by enhancing traffic flow and cutting energy use.
DeepMind’s algorithm processes real-time data from traffic cameras and sensors to predict traffic patterns and adjust signal timings.
This has resulted in lower fuel consumption and shorter commute times, boosting the efficiency and sustainability of city traffic management.
As AI continues to shape industries worldwide, it should be embraced as a strategic ally in advancing sustainability.
Whether it is reducing energy consumption or maximising resource efficiency, AI can significantly support decarbonisation.
Achieving net-zero emissions is a shared responsibility, and AI can be a powerful force in helping industries, cities, and communities meet their environmental commitments.
As more organisations adopt AI-driven sustainability solutions, we take meaningful steps to achieve a greener, more resilient, and sustainable future for all!  - Mkini
CHONG YEN MEE is a UNFCCC Roster of Experts member and a consultant working with Soon Hun Yang, who founded Eco-Ideal Consulting Sdn Bhd, a local environmental consultancy specialising in carbon advisory services.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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