Best Practices
Sustainable AI Principles
Core principles for using AI in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.
4 min readUpdated Feb 1, 2026
Sustainable AI Principles
Core principles for responsible AI usage.
The Five Principles
1. Intentionality
Use AI with purpose, not out of habit. Ask: "Is AI the right tool for this?"
2. Efficiency
Choose the smallest model that meets your needs. Optimize prompts. Cache responses.
3. Transparency
Understand what data you're sharing. Know how outputs will be used.
4. Accountability
Take responsibility for AI-assisted decisions. Verify outputs before acting.
5. Sustainability
Consider the environmental cost. Choose providers with renewable energy commitments.
Putting It Into Practice
| Principle | Action |
|---|---|
| Intentionality | Pause before each query |
| Efficiency | Start with GPT-3.5, upgrade if needed |
| Transparency | Review privacy policies |
| Accountability | Always fact-check important outputs |
| Sustainability | Batch queries, reuse prompts |
The Long View
Sustainable AI practices today ensure the technology remains accessible, affordable, and viable for everyone tomorrow.