Show Notes
Host Sanjay Podder speaks with Cooper Elsworth, Google’s lead for AI and cloud emissions insights, about the real energy, carbon, and water footprint of AI systems. They discuss Google’s groundbreaking research on measuring AI’s environmental impact using empirical data rather than estimates, revealing a comprehensive methodology, with Cooper explaining how Google’s full stack approach, spanning hardware, software, data centers, and clean energy procurement, has cut Gemini’s carbon footprint by 44x in a year. The conversation also explores the balance between energy efficiency and water usage, the role of transparent metrics in driving climate action, and how AI can be scaled sustainably without undermining net-zero goals.
Learn more about our people: Sanjay Podder: LinkedIn Cooper Elsworth: LinkedIn | Website
Find out more about the GSF: The Green Software Foundation Website Sign up to the Green Software Foundation Newsletter
Resources: Measuring the environmental impact of delivering AI at Google Scale [00:53] TPUs improved carbon-efficiency of AI workloads by 3x | Google Cloud Blog [01:45] Measuring the environmental impact of AI inference | Google Cloud Blog [01:52] Green AI Position Paper | GSF [24:48] Software Carbon Intensity (SCI) Specification | GSF [28:13]
If you enjoyed this episode then please either: Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Follow and rate on Spotify Watch our videos on The Green Software Foundation YouTube Channel! Connect with us on Twitter, Github and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from CXO Bytes
Host Sanjay Podder speaks with Kerry O’Donnell, a technology and sustainability leader, about how organizations can embed environmental responsibility into digital transformation and AI adoption. Kerry explains why sustainability must be treated as a value driver, how architecture and procurement can enforce greener decisions, and the importance of measuring IT and AI footprints to manage them effectively. They cover practical tactics such as right-sizing AI models, running workloads where clean energy is available, and demanding transparent carbon data from vendors to ensure innovation supports climate goals rather than undermines them.
Host Sanjay Podder speaks with Dr. Katia Chaban about uniting IT and sustainability through circular economy practices. Dr. Chaban shares her journey into sustainable IT, the importance of addressing e-waste and embodied carbon, and the growing challenges posed by AI. She highlights how circular thinking, training, and cross-industry collaboration can help CXOs and technology leaders embed sustainability into IT strategies while reducing costs and environmental impact.
In this episode of CXO Bytes, host Sanjay Podder speaks with Marc Zegveld, Managing Director of ICT at TNO, about the competitive value of green IT. Drawing on the recent Green IT Value Case, real-world case studies, and research, they explore how sustainability initiatives can enhance business performance—from cost savings and supply chain clarity to talent attraction and regulatory preparedness. Marc emphasizes that green IT is not just a climate imperative but a strategic differentiator, requiring top-down leadership, grassroots innovation, and effective change management. Together, they discuss how businesses can embed sustainability across operations to thrive in a tech-driven, low-carbon future.
In this episode of CXO Bytes, host Sanjay Podder speaks with Adrian Cockcroft, former VP at Amazon and a key figure in cloud computing and green software, about strategies for reducing the environmental impact of AI and cloud infrastructure. Adrian shares insights from his time at AWS, including how internal coordination and visibility helped drive sustainability initiatives. He also discusses the Real-Time Cloud Carbon Standard, the environmental impact of GPUs, the challenges of data transparency, and the promise of digital twins like meGPT in scaling sustainable tech practices.
Host Sanjay Podder brings Noah Broestl, Associate Director of Responsible AI at the Boston Consulting Group, to the stage to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI and its implications for business leaders. Together, they talk about the requirements of present and future AI governance frameworks, the road to sustainability in AI, and how the emerging risks of Generative AI are shaping the future of responsible technology.