Google's Energy Consumption Surges 17% Amid AI Expansion

Summary

Google's total energy consumption increased 17% due to AI expansion, raising questions about the sustainability of its carbon neutral claims.

Score Rationale

High C-score (68) driven by Google's prominent carbon neutral claims across all operations with significant amplification through sustained media campaigns and executive involvement. G-score (52) reflects sharp 17% YoY energy increase from AI expansion, creating substantial emissions trajectory concern despite tech sector's lower baseline. The +16 point gap (C>G) indicates corporate sustainability claims significantly outpace actual environmental performance, classifying as List C greenwashing. Intent score of 9 reflects timing around AI expansion scrutiny, vague carbon neutral language without clear Scope 3 boundaries, and pattern of renewable energy credit reliance over absolute reduction.

Source Quote

Google's total energy consumption increased 17% due to AI expansion, raising questions about the sustainability of its carbon neutral claims