Research initiative · Registration open
Sustainable AI Initiative
Can better AI habits reduce unnecessary output while preserving useful, high-quality responses?
Why this research
Most conversations about AI sustainability focus on data centres, model architecture, cooling and electricity supply. Those questions matter. This work examines a quieter demand-side question: can ordinary users reduce unnecessary AI output through better defaults and more intentional use?
What the pilot found
The first pilot involved eleven volunteers using ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. A standardised before-and-after benchmark was then tested on Claude and ChatGPT using a one-time instruction designed to remove filler and limit unnecessary response length.
This was an early benchmark signal, not a final conclusion and not an intervention completed by all eleven volunteers. The expanded study is designed to test whether the result holds across more people, platforms, task types and levels of AI experience—and whether participants still find the responses useful.
What participation involves
Registration takes about two to three minutes. After registering, participants receive the benchmark instructions and the next steps by email. No private chat history or confidential conversation content is requested.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a particular AI platform?
No. The study is open to users of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity and other mainstream AI assistants.
Will you collect my conversations?
No. Participants are asked only for study measurements and brief feedback. They should not submit confidential or sensitive information.
What happens after I register?
You will receive the participant instructions and study materials by email.
How long will it take?
The registration form takes approximately two to three minutes. The full benchmark instructions will explain the remaining commitment before you begin.
This is an independent follow-on initiative that grew from a UCLA Leaders in Sustainability leadership project. It is not presented as an official UCLA research study.