Policy Brief

Sustainable Material Selection in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Integrating sustainability into material selection is critical for tackling global environmental concerns and securing a sustainable future.

Publication Date
5 Jul 2024
Author
Tshilidzi Marwala

By incorporating sustainability concepts into the conventional criteria of performance maximization and cost reduction, we can design materials and products that are efficient, cost-effective, ecologically responsible and socially suitable.  

Promoting this approach is particularly important in the context of artificial intelligence, which despite its rapid growth remains dependent on scarce finite resources. Implementing a comprehensive approach in this emerging sector will necessitate coordinated efforts across education, incentives, policies, regulations, standards and institutional structures.

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