Empowering Socially Vulnerable Urban Communities for Energy Justice via Ethical and Sustainable AI

This project reimagines the intersection of technology, climate justice, and urban equity through a community‑driven, sustainable, and ethical AI model. In partnership with organizations such as WEACT and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), it co‑creates tools that respond to real community needs.

By deploying energy‑efficient Small Language Models (SLMs), the initiative helps residents navigate complex energy bills and assistance programs, delivers real‑time heat advisories and cooling resources, and advances digital literacy through participatory AI training. Residents and local organizations are engaged as active partners, ensuring equity, transparency, and long‑term impact.

The project prioritizes community data sovereignty, blending climate science, law, AI engineering, and grassroots expertise to build trust and lasting capacity. With scalable outcomes and replicable models, it aims to seed sustainable partnerships and drive a broader movement for ethical AI and climate justice nationwide.

Local Deployment of Small Language Models (SLM)

AI‑powered tools to help residents decode energy bills, access assistance programs, and monitor consumption trends in clear, actionable ways.

Mobile and web applications co‑designed with community members to provide real‑time heat advisories, cooling center locations, and safety guidance.

Workshops, demonstration projects, and an open‑access dashboard to build local digital leaders, strengthen AI fluency, and ensure transparency.

Key Activities

Community sessions to test and refine project components, ensuring usability and relevance.

Household monitoring and resident journaling to generate data that informs advocacy for affordability and housing improvements

Introductory training for community members to understand and shape SLM tools, reducing bias and aligning models with local needs.

An interactive platform documenting progress, curating tools, and showcasing co‑created models that follow ethical and accountability standards.