Your everyday AI use has a bigger footprint than you might think
Denver7 examines how everyday artificial intelligence use is driving demand for larger data centers. MSU Denver computer science professor Steve Beaty discusses the facilities’ electricity and water needs, cooling challenges, noise, land use and potential carbon footprint.
MSU Denver computer science professor Steve Beaty told Denver7 that routine activities such as online searches, shopping and voice-assistant queries increasingly rely on artificial intelligence systems housed in data centers. He said AI training and user interactions require substantial electricity, while the resulting heat creates significant cooling demands.
Beaty said larger data centers can be more cost-effective but may place additional pressure on power supplies and water resources. He also cited continuous equipment noise, land consumption and emissions associated with electricity generation as issues communities should consider, while acknowledging that data center construction can bring jobs and economic benefits.