The Intersection of AI, Sustainability, and Internal Communications 

10 February 2025 Reading Time: 3 minutes

by Dan Sodergren:

As a Future of Work expert for hire, I’ve spent years discussing AI’s transformative potential. From keynote stages to boardrooms, I’ve seen firsthand how businesses grapple with technological shifts. But what often goes unspoken is AI’s green potential—how artificial intelligence can radically reduce corporate carbon footprints, particularly in internal communications.

So it was great to be asked to discuss this on the Can Marketing Save The Planet podcast. But how did I get such an opportunity? 

This is due to me being asked to be a keynote speaker at CommsHero, to talk about AI and the future of work as they were celebrating their 10th anniversary, thanks Asif for the gig. We finally got to work together. And it was there that I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Carville and was challenged on the ecological impact of AI. As someone who has long championed sustainability (even launching green companies like The Hemp Trading Company), I welcomed the conversation.

The argument? AI consumes vast energy and is environmentally damaging. The reality? AI, when deployed strategically, can slash corporate energy consumption. And internal communications—the backbone of organizational culture—are at the center of this revolution.

The Old Way: A Carbon-Heavy Communications Model

Corporate communications have long been energy-intensive. From commuting to printed materials to in-person events, the cumulative environmental cost is staggering. Consider the numbers:

• Office energy consumption: 2,800 kWh per year
• Commuting energy costs: 5,000 kWh annually
• Digital activities (emails, storage, meetings): 2,000 kWh
• Total: Up to 7,960 kWh per employee (that’s the equivalent of leaving your Christmas lights on for three years!)

Now, let’s compare this to what AI-powered internal comms can achieve.

The AI Revolution: Three Ways AI is Making Internal Comms Greener

1. Virtual Events That Don’t Cost the Earth (Literally)

Traditional corporate events used to consume between 15,000-20,000 kWh. AI-driven virtual events? A mere 200-500 kWh—a 97% reduction.

AI enables:

• Automated personalization for events, reducing prep time
• Virtual engagement tools that replicate face-to-face interaction
• Smart scheduling, cutting email volume by 60%

With platforms like The Fifth Industrial Revolution, organizations can explore how AI-powered transformation impacts business and sustainability.

2. Remote Work That Actually Works

Remote work isn’t just about comfort—it’s about carbon savings. Here’s a comparison of energy consumption before and after AI-driven remote work:

Before AI:

• Commute: 13.7 kWh/day
• Office equipment: 7.6 kWh/day
• Climate control: 5.2 kWh/day
• Total: 26.5 kWh/day

After AI:

• Home office operations: 4.8 kWh/day
• Cloud services: 1.2 kWh/day
• Device usage: 2.3 kWh/day
• Total: 8.3 kWh/day (A 69% reduction!)

AI enables:

• Real-time translation and transcription
• Automated resource allocation
• Smart scheduling systems

At AI Leadership Course, we train companies on how AI improves remote work efficiency.

3. Leadership Communications That Are Lean, Mean, and Green

Executive communications have long been time-consuming and wasteful. AI slashes inefficiencies:

• Meeting prep time: 66% reduction
• Document creation: 75% reduction
• Analysis time: 80% reduction

Instead of energy-intensive email chains, AI provides:

• Automated content personalization
• Real-time sentiment analysis
• Impact measurement tools

Platforms like Strategic HQ and #WeLeadComms explore how AI is revolutionizing leadership and corporate communication. And this is something I love to talk about at events both on and offline. 

What This Means for You

By 2025, AI-driven internal communications will empower organizations to:

1. Host greener events: Virtual events that consume 97% less energy
2. Enable sustainable remote work: A 69% reduction in daily energy use
3. Streamline leadership communications: Saving time, energy, and resources

The shift isn’t just about technology—it’s about efficiency, sustainability, and smarter work practices.

The Future of Work: A Call to Action

The Fifth Industrial Revolution is here, and it’s not just about technology—it’s about humanity and sustainability. AI, when used correctly, can be a force for good.

We need to seize the initiative—not let it be taken from us. As Mike Klein from #WeLeadComms argues, avoiding AI because of misguided fears will only allow others to shape its role for us.

As an AI thought leader and Future of Work expert for hire, I help organizations navigate these changes. If you’re ready to explore how AI can revolutionize your business, let’s talk.

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About the Author: Dan Sodergren 

(Connect with Dan Sodergren on Linkedin here.)

Keynote speaker, corporate trainer, TedxTalker, and author. Ex-marketing agency owner and serial tech startup co-founder, Dan Sodergren is a digital marketing and technology expert who specializes in the future of work and AI. He works on the BBC Breakfast, BBC new channels, BBC Watchdog, the One Show, RipOffBritain and on countless radio shows. 

He is a tech futurist and optimist. Who trains companies in how the future of work, technology and AI will change the world for the better during this #FifthIndustrialRevolution. Dan truly believes in the power of AI to make our jobs more awesome and our planet a little greener. 

No trees were harmed in the writing of this blog post (AI made sure of that!). Dan is on the “Can Marketing Save The Planet” podcast with Russ Avery and Gemma Butler

Where to Learn More

• Explore AI training and strategy at AI Leadership Course
• Read about AI’s role in corporate transformation at Strategic HQ
• Dive into the Fifth Industrial Revolution at The Fifth Industrial Revolution

If you’re looking for a tech futurist speaker or The Fifth Industrial Revolution corporate speaker, let’s connect.

Written by: Editor