Denver students push to implement more sustainable AI practices

Students from Denver's Abraham Lincoln High School, including Elizabeth Martinez and Jesus Vasquez, are undertaking a project to educate their peers about the environmental impact of AI data centers. Their initiative, supported by Denver Public Schools' director of sustainability Tom Wildman, highlights the substantial energy and water consumption of these facilities. Martinez explained to a class that data centers require large amounts of energy and water for cooling, noting a report from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute that large data centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily. Vasquez added that many students are unaware of the costs associated with AI technology, emphasizing its environmental drawbacks. The students are also actively opposing a specific development by working on a petition against the construction of a data center planned for the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. Wildman supports these student-led efforts, stating the goal is to equip students with the knowledge and tools to use AI responsibly, rather than discouraging its use, and to foster informed future leaders.