Since the EU AI Act came into force, Europe has marked a turning point in how companies must approach the development and use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI is profoundly transforming businesses, work models and everyday life, and in this context, it is important to acknowledge that the speed of its emergence brings challenges that must be addressed. In particular, the regulation responds to the need to ensure the safe, ethical and transparent development of AI, whose impact on fundamental rights, employment or the environment has sparked growing social and political concern.
In this regard, it is no coincidence that the adoption of the AI Act aligns with years of regulatory momentum in Europe around sustainability, pushing companies to take a more active role in managing their social and environmental impacts. While aligning with these requirements has certainly been a challenge for many organizations, at Forética we work with more than 200 companies that, beyond compliance, see corporate sustainability as an opportunity for a deeper cultural transformation, and the rise of new technologies such as AI is no exception.
The adoption of AI structurally impacts operations, products, services, employees and the long-term value of the company. In terms of sustainability, AI can be a key ally in accelerating the energy transition and improving operational efficiency, yet we cannot overlook its own water and energy consumption. On the social spectrum, AI will be a key lever for productivity and employment generation, while it is also expected to disrupt millions of jobs.
Similarly, its ability to contribute to equality and inclusion and either narrow or deepen the digital divide, will depend entirely on how we design, deploy and use this technology. Thus, capitalizing on AI’s full potential, while mitigating its impacts, certainly requires strategies and governance structures that incorporate ethical considerations.
For this reason, at Forética we have launched a Manifesto for Responsible and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence, where we propose several principles that should guide companies and organizations willing to leverage AI responsibly.
This document stems from our members’ growing interest in the opportunities and risks posed by AI. In particular, it reflects on the insights and leadership of the Spanish Business Council for Sustainable Development — a consultative body led by Forética and made up of the Presidents and CEOs of our largest member companies. As many have reflected on our online platform AI on ESG, the Council recognizes AI’s undeniably transformative role and the need for proactive measures to align technology with our sustainability agenda.
For instance, new technologies should contribute to our Net-zero and nature recovery goals. In its 2025 report on energy and AI, the International Energy Agency estimates that by 2030 AI could mitigate up to 4% of the CO₂ emissions currently generated by the energy sector. However, there is currently not enough momentum for AI adoption to unlock these large emissions reductions. Meanwhile, electricity demand from data centers is expected to double in the next five years, while water consumption associated with AI could reach 1200 billion liters per year.
Therefore, minimizing AI’s impact on the environment requires investing in more sustainable solutions, such as renewable energies, low-emission hardware or incorporating environmental sensitivity in data processing, model selection and training.
In addition, we need to adopt these tools strategically for applications that really help tackle the climate crisis. For example, many of our members already use AI to measure their carbon footprint, monitor wildlife and biodiversity or optimize waste management. If technology offers limitless possibilities, let’s harness them in service of the environment.
Secondly, it goes without saying that technology should be trustworthy, secure and respectful of human rights. Any product should protect the security and privacy of both data and individuals, use data lawfully, responsibly and in accordance with sound governance and management practices. Accenture found in a recent study that risks linked to generative AI have increased significantly and account for around two-thirds of all incidents – with companies highlighting privacy, security or reliability risks, among others.
It is therefore not surprising that 78% of the companies surveyed have started to develop responsible AI programs. Indeed, deploying AI systems requires a governance framework that anticipates and manages operational and regulatory risks, addresses any environmental challenge and ensures a careful evaluation of its impact on the company’s stakeholders.
On this subject, managing AI’s potential disruption in the workplace certainly calls for a well-defined centralized strategy. For instance, digital transformation is changing the skills paradigm and employees at all levels will need to acquire or strengthen their competencies. Here, variables such as resistance to change, uncertainty, or mental health pressures come into play. Thus, HR departments need to play a key role in identifying critical gaps, strategically allocate talent, deploy upskilling and re-skilling programs and lead not only a technological transformation, but also a human and cultural one within their organizations.
Beyond our employees, it is also essential to pay close attention to how new technologies might affect customers, the community where we operate, and in general, those who are already in a disadvantaged position. AI will mostly benefit those who can access it and know how to use it; yet access to technology is not always equitable — not between men and women, not between younger and older generations, and not even within the same organization.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure the rise of new technologies promotes inclusion, equity, non-discrimination and leaves no one behind. For example, a growing number of AI-based tools are already being used to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, while the rising demand for digital skills presents an opportunity to advance women’s access to these capabilities and related jobs.
Ultimately, as with any major technological disruption, AI comes with its ups and downs, and its potential to benefit or harm society will depend entirely on how it is designed and how we choose to use it. At Forética, we are proud to see that 76 organizations have supported our Manifesto for Responsible and Sustainable AI and are ready to lead the way. Because only by acknowledging and reflecting on all these issues can we harness AI’s full potential to drive positive change.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the cover photo: An artist’s illustration of artificial intelligence (AI), 2023. Cover photo credit: Pexels.
