# Artificial intelligence-based digital transformation and environmental sustainability

**Authors:** Di Wu, Yuge Zhang, Lihong Zhao

PMC · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343275 · PLOS One · 2026-03-26

## TL;DR

This paper introduces Green AI, a framework combining AI, blockchain, and IoT to improve environmental sustainability through better energy management and transparency.

## Contribution

Green AI is a novel framework that integrates AI, blockchain, and IoT for sustainable energy systems and environmental monitoring.

## Key findings

- Green AI enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions through secure data integration.
- Blockchain ensures transparency in energy transactions and environmental monitoring.
- The framework provides a scalable model for sustainable resource management.

## Abstract

AI’s rapid growth presents significant potential for enhancing environmental sustainability and driving digital transformation across various sectors. AI applications are scattered, uneven data integration is complex, and defined metrics are lacking, limiting its ability to support sustainable practices. In search of a holistic and interoperable solution, this study suggests Green AI, an innovative framework that blends AI, blockchain, and the IoT to address sustainability issues. This work aims to provide a scalable and secure architecture that enhances energy efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, and improves environmental monitoring accuracy. Green AI utilizes blockchain to securely manage real-time data from smart grids, environmental sensors, and energy markets via IoT devices, ensuring energy transaction transparency and accountability. Advanced machine learning algorithms maximize renewable energy integration and estimate energy demand, enabling proactive decision-making. Its unified design improves energy system sustainability and provides a reproducible model for cost-effective resource management, making this study unique. The Green AI framework guides academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in utilizing intelligent technology for sustainable development, thereby creating a greener and more resilient future.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** MFSD11 (major facilitator superfamily domain containing 11) [NCBI Gene 79157] {aka ET}
- **Diseases:** ES (MESH:D018876), COVID-19 (MESH:D000086382), ET (MESH:D016751), RES (MESH:D011502)
- **Chemicals:** CO2 (MESH:D002245), water (MESH:D014867), ESC (-), oxygen (MESH:D010100), Carbon (MESH:D002244)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

11 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13020846/full.md

## References

50 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13020846/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13020846