At Priority Crypto, we’re big believers in the future, and we don’t just mean the future of work, or the next big thing in Web3. We’re talking about the planet. That’s why, this Earth Day 2025, we’re jumping in on the theme: Our Power, Our Planet.
In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming the crypto space faster than ever, it's easy to forget there’s a cost. AI is powerful but, it’s also power-hungry. And if we want to build a sustainable future for blockchain and beyond, we’ve got to get smart about how we use it.
Let’s dig into the hidden environmental impact of AI and how we can use it more responsibly.
AI’s Energy Problem
AI models need serious computing power, especially large-scale ones like those used in natural language processing, predictive analytics, or automated trading bots. All that computing means huge energy use and huge emissions. In fact, training a single large AI model can emit as much carbon as five petrol-powered cars over their entire lifetimes.
And it doesn’t stop there. AI data centres also use huge volumes of water for cooling. Just one AI query can consume the equivalent of a bottle of drinking water. Multiply that by millions of users? You get the picture.
Why This Matters for the Crypto Industry
Crypto already has a reputation for being energy-intensive, especially when it comes to mining. But to be fair, the industry is evolving. Proof-of-stake, renewable-powered mining, and decentralised energy solutions are becoming more common.
But now we’re adding AI to the mix and if we’re not careful, we could double down on environmental damage. The good news? There are real, practical ways to keep things sustainable without sacrificing innovation.
5 Tips for Using AI Sustainably in the Web3 World
Whether you’re building a product, scaling your crypto team, or just exploring AI tools, here’s how to do it without costing the Earth.
1. Choose Lightweight, Energy-Efficient Models
Not every use case needs a massive model. Smaller, more efficient alternatives like DistilBERT or TinyML can handle tasks while using significantly less power.
2. Run Workloads During Off-Peak Hours
AI models can be trained and deployed during times when the grid is under less strain. Bonus: it’s often cheaper and uses more renewable energy.
3. Pick a Green Cloud Provider
Go for cloud platforms that use renewable energy and offer carbon-tracking tools. Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure now provide greener data centre options.
4. Monitor, Optimise, Repeat
Don’t “set it and forget it.” Audit your models regularly. Cut out inefficiencies, reduce redundancies, and keep things lean.
5. Think Before You Prompt
Every AI prompt requires energy. If you're using tools like ChatGPT regularly (guilty), be intentional with your usage. Reuse, refine, and reduce.
Let’s Not Forget About Water
The energy story is well-known, but water is the other half of the issue. Cooling AI servers requires significant water use, often in areas already dealing with drought and water scarcity. As more industries adopt AI, this environmental pressure will only grow.
So while crypto companies explore green mining, it’s just as important to factor in AI’s water footprint when making tech choices.
A Greener Future Starts Now
AI isn’t going anywhere and we don’t want it to. Used well, it can improve everything from fraud prevention to onboarding new hires in DeFi. But it’s up to us to make sure we’re using this tech in a way that doesn’t cost the planet.
Earth Day 2025 is the perfect reminder: Our Power, Our Planet.
At Priority Crypto, we’re proud to support crypto companies that care about sustainability as much as they care about innovation. Whether you’re building the next big Web3 platform or hiring AI-savvy developers with a green mindset, we’ve got your back.
Let’s shape a smarter, cleaner future for tech. Together.
