It's time to think green.
GreenChat is a browser extension that estimates CO2 emissions of ChatGPT conversations to raise awareness about the environmental impact of AI.
Seamless integration
within ChatGPT's UI, showing you extra information about your chat footprint.
Here's how we calculate it.
Estimating ChatGPT's carbon footprint is challenging due to OpenAI's closed-source policy. However, studies suggest energy consumption per query ranges from0.3 to 3 watt-hours. According to Alex De Vries, a typical query uses around 3 watt-hours, while Josh You argues that shorter queries use just 0.3 watt-hours, similar to a Google search.
The carbon emissions depend on data center energy sources. The U.S. average carbon intensity is 0.429 kg CO₂e/kWh, meaning emissions per query range between 0.1287g and 1.287g CO2e. Per token, estimates vary from 0.2145 mg to 0.2574 mg CO2e, based on token length assumptions by De Vries and You.
Water usage is another factor. According to The Green Grid, U.S. data centers have an average water usage efficiency (WUE) of 1.8 L/kWh. Based on energy estimates, water consumption per token ranges from 0.0001 to 0.0009 mL.
Frequently asked questions
Is the extension free?
Yes.
Where can I download this extension?
Click the download link at the top.
What tools were used to build GreenChat?
It uses Vite, React, Tailwind and Typescript among others for the extension and Next.js for the website.
Does GreenChat track my conversations?
No, GreenChat does not store or send any conversation data. It only processes text locally to estimate emissions.
How accurate are GreenChat's estimates?
Since OpenAI does not disclose energy usage details, GreenChat relies on third-party research and averages. The estimates are approximations meant to provide awareness, not exact measurements.
Does GreenChat work with other AI models?
Currently, GreenChat is designed for ChatGPT, but future updates may support other AI platforms
Is GreenChat safe to use?
Yes.