Environmental group raises concerns over AI data centre emissions in Scotland

Environmental charity APRS has criticised the Scottish Government over how greenhouse gas emissions linked to hyperscale AI data centres are assessed within existing planning and climate frameworks.

According to APRS, earlier lifecycle emissions assessments focused primarily on broadband and smaller-scale digital infrastructure before the recent expansion of generative AI-related facilities.

The concerns are linked to a proposed 212MW AI data centre project in Edinburgh, currently involved in a planning appeal process.

APRS argued that the term ‘green data centre’ lacks a clear policy definition in relation to large-scale AI infrastructure projects. The organisation said Scotland does not yet have a dedicated policy framework addressing hyperscale AI data centres.

APRS stated that multiple large-scale data centre proposals are currently under consideration across Scotland. The group warned that growing electricity demand linked to data centre expansion could have implications for energy planning and climate objectives.

APRS also called for updated lifecycle emissions assessments and revised planning guidance for hyperscale AI infrastructure projects.

Why does it matter?

The debate highlights a widening policy gap between the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and existing environmental planning frameworks. Many national climate assessments were created before the emergence of hyperscale generative AI systems, meaning governments may be underestimating the energy, emissions, and resource demands associated with large-scale AI deployment.

It also demonstrates how AI is no longer only a digital or technological policy challenge, but increasingly an environmental, infrastructure, and energy governance issue.

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