AI and sustainability. How to prepare for 2026.

AI is transforming how sustainability teams operate by automating manual tasks, pinpointing emissions hotspots, and detecting anomalies. But in 2026 two expectations will stand out.

First, organizations will need standardized AI governance with consistent human oversight. Second, they will be expected to disclose the environmental footprint of their AI systems themselves, including carbon emissions and water use. Companies will increasingly expect vendors to demonstrate real value and measurable impact.