Harnessing AI for sustainable higher education: ethical considerations, operational efficiency, and future directions

• Published in: Discover Sustainability
• Main Author: Khan S.; Mazhar T.; Shahzad T.; Khan M.A.; Rehman A.U.; Saeed M.M.; Hamam H.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Nature 2025
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85218103177&doi=10.1007%2fs43621-025-00809-6&partnerID=40&md5=d9e568084f4e8132313869389c5be97b

As higher education faces technological advancement and environmental imperatives, AI becomes a key instrument for revolutionizing instructional methods and institutional operations. AI can improve educational outcomes, resource management, and long-term sustainability in higher education, according to this study. The research uses case studies and best practices to show how AI-driven innovations can minimize environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and customize learning, creating a more sustainable and inclusive academic environment. The document discusses AI ethics, including data privacy, algorithmic prejudice, and the digital divide. It emphasizes the need for strong ethical frameworks to use AI ethically and make decisions with transparency and fairness. The study also emphasizes the need for robust institutional rules and infrastructure to promote ethical AI integration, protecting student privacy and supporting fair access to AI technologies. The research also shows how AI-driven curriculum-building tools can educate students for future sustainability concerns and stimulate research innovation. The prospects and difficulties of AI in higher education are critically examined, including its potential to change traditional educational roles, improve academic performance, and maintain institutional profitability. Actionable recommendations for educators, politicians, and institutional leaders contribute to the education sustainability conversation. Focusing on AI and sustainability creates the framework for a future where technology and environmental stewardship are intimately connected, ensuring that higher education institutions can prosper in a fast-changing world. © The Author(s) 2025.