GENAIRE: Generative AI in Research Workflows, Measuring and Reducing Environmental Impact

GENAIRE develops a practical, low-threshold way for researchers to assess and reduce the expected environmental footprint of generative AI in everyday research. The project creates and pilots a digital planning tool, checklist and GENAIRE Receipt with an optional ethics addendum to help researchers decide when genAI use is proportionate, choose lower-footprint options for common tasks, and document decisions for ethics review and data management planning. The method is co-designed with researchers, the chair of the Research Ethics Review Committee, ICT and sustainability staff. Outputs will be shared openly so other higher education institutions can adapt and reuse them.