Sustainability & AI
NIST AI Risk Management Framework
A voluntary US framework for identifying and managing AI risks, including those linked to sustainability claims.
Definition
A voluntary US framework (NIST AI 100-1, January 2023) for identifying and managing risks across the AI life cycle, organised around four functions: Govern, Map, Measure and Manage.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Sustainability & AI
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 21 August 2026
- Also known as
- AI RMF · NIST AI 100-1
References
Overview
What it means
Developed through multi-stakeholder consultation under a congressional mandate, the framework defines seven characteristics of trustworthy AI — including validity, safety, transparency, accountability, privacy and fairness — and links them to concrete actions. A Generative AI Profile (NIST AI 600-1, July 2024) added GenAI-specific risks, including confabulation and environmental impact.
How it is used
Organisations adopt the framework as the structure for AI risk programmes, inventories and assurance, and NIST continues to publish companion material, including the 2024 Generative AI Profile. The framework is referenced in US policy and procurement documents.
Why it matters
The AI RMF is the default risk vocabulary for AI in the US ecosystem and beyond. Its inclusion of AI's environmental footprint among GenAI risks moves that cost from externality toward managed risk.
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