AI sustainability has moved from a theoretical concept to a real strategic requirement. As artificial intelligence expands, it places growing pressure on environmental resources. Data centers, for example, are scaling rapidly to support new AI workloads. As a result, their operational demands are reshaping the sustainability agenda across the tech sector.
NTT Data is adapting to this shift. The company introduced a revised materiality framework with 13 new priorities. Many of them reflect the impact of AI systems and the expansion of large-scale data center operations. Consequently, the organisation is rethinking how innovation and sustainability must balance each other.
Why AI sustainability requires a new materiality framework
The refreshed framework is organised around three pillars: Planet Positive, Prosperity Positive and People Positive. These pillars reflect structural changes in the organisation as well as broader industry trends. After its integration with NTT, the company gained a much larger data center footprint. Therefore, it faced stronger environmental and governance pressures related to AI growth.
NTT Data stated that rapid AI development influenced its decision to adjust the framework. Moreover, it emphasised the need to consider how its actions affect stakeholders. Materiality helps organisations identify the ESG issues with the most significant impact. Although the previous framework was created in 2022, AI adoption has accelerated dramatically since then. Thus, an update became necessary.
AI sustainability challenges tied to energy and water demand
AI sustainability and the environmental pressures of data centers
Within the Planet Positive pillar, NTT Data prioritised climate action, circularity and water management. Water use has become a critical topic. This is because data centers depend on water for cooling, and a single facility may consume millions of litres each year.
Energy demand is rising as well. While data centers already require substantial electricity, AI growth intensifies this trend. Consequently, global consumption is expected to climb even higher in the coming years. In addition, NTT Data’s integration with NTT increased its exposure to resource-intensive infrastructure. Therefore, AI sustainability has become central to its long-term ESG strategy.
Economic and ethical priorities shaped by AI adoption
AI sustainability and responsible technology development
The Prosperity Positive pillar highlights the economic and ethical responsibilities associated with AI adoption. It includes responsible technology, AI ethics, digital safety and sustainable supply chain management. Together, these topics address the dual nature of technological innovation.
Governments worldwide are drafting regulations for AI. As a result, businesses must demonstrate responsible development practices. Ethical concerns such as transparency, reliability and fairness are now fundamental to AI sustainability. Furthermore, these issues influence how companies design, test and deploy AI systems.
The people dimension: workforce, rights and accessibility
The People Positive pillar covers diversity, inclusion, health and safety, human rights and digital accessibility. Each of these areas is shaped by the growing role of AI. Automation, for instance, changes the skills employees need and the structure of many teams. Meanwhile, ensuring fair access to digital tools supports social sustainability.
NTT Data operates in more than 50 countries and serves a large share of the Fortune Global 100. Therefore, its internal policies influence not only its own workforce but also the practices of many organisations worldwide. In this context, responsible governance becomes especially important.
How AI sustainability will shape NTT Data’s future direction
The revised framework helps NTT Data align its sustainability goals with the realities of the AI era. As part of the wider NTT Group, the company benefits from substantial research and development funding. Consequently, it is better positioned to support sustainable innovation across its services.
The technology sector is facing rising expectations from customers, investors and regulators. They increasingly demand transparency and measurable progress. Therefore, NTT Data must integrate AI sustainability into daily operations. This includes data center management, AI design processes and long-term governance planning.
Whether the updated framework produces measurable results will become clear over time. Even so, the industry is watching closely. AI continues to grow, and resource demands show no signs of slowing. Thus, effective implementation will determine how well NTT Data can meet both operational and sustainability goals.
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