Green AI: Time to move beyond philosophy and deliver practical impact

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, professions, and everyday life. From conversational tools to generative systems, AI now performs in minutes what once took thousands of human hours. Academic institutions across India are embedding AI into engineering, law, commerce, arts, and more, making AI literacy a workplace necessity.

Yet, while AI’s potential is celebrated, its environmental and social costs are often overlooked. Training large models demands massive computational power, driving energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This has sparked the call for “Green AI”, a sustainable approach that promotes energy-efficient, inclusive, and socially responsible AI development.

So when one says something like: Red AI vs. Green AI, what does that actually mean?

Much of the AI technology currently deployed in industries can be classified as “Red AI,” characterized by high energy demands and substantial environmental cost. By contrast, “Green AI” seeks to optimize computational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and make AI more accessible and inclusive. Globally, a small community of technologists has pioneered this approach, yet adoption in India is still emerging.

There are some scientists who have contributed (and are still contributing) to multiple AI tools that prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and social good. Their current priorities include raising awareness of Green AI, fostering local research talent, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for AI-skilled youth.

Interestingly, Red AI, powered by large cloud systems, consumes vast energy and emits high levels of carbon dioxide. Green AI, on the other hand, uses methods like model compression, distillation, and Edge AI to cut energy use while maintaining performance. As AI spreads into healthcare, industry, and governance, adopting these sustainable practices is becoming essential. The good thing is that there are companies who are taking steps to foster a Green AI-friendly ecosystem.

There are some who think that Kolkata offers abundant technical talent, strong academic institutions, and affordable infrastructure, making it an ideal environment to nurture energy-efficient and socially responsible AI innovation. Mind you that the focus is on practical techniques such as model quantization, distillation, and Edge AI deployment, which demonstrate that advanced AI can be environmentally sustainable and accessible to a wide range of users.

The need of the hour is to focus on translating Green AI philosophy into actionable products and services while building awareness locally and creating skilled employment opportunities.

Significantly, GreenAI Services is making AI accessible to non-English-speaking and underprivileged communities by training tools in Bengali and other Indian languages.

From education to legal and regulatory services, these solutions work easily on mobile phones or WhatsApp, allowing users to type or speak in their own language. This inclusive approach supports local learning and development while reducing reliance on costly foreign AI systems.

Green AI is actually a philosophy — proving that AI can drive social progress while protecting the environment. Through regional language tools and community-focused projects, it shows how AI can be inclusive, efficient, and sustainable. Its mission is clear: innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, with India leading the way in the global Green AI movement.