co2ounter

Track your AI usage and carbon footprint

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Category: Best Social Good

Inspiration

AI is transforming the world, but few people realize its hidden environmental cost. Data centers powering AI models consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, emitting significant carbon dioxide in the process. We were inspired by the idea of making the invisible visible. Co₂ounter helps people understand the “digital carbon footprint” of their AI usage. Our goal is to spark awareness and empower users to take small, informed steps toward sustainability in the digital age.

What it does

Co₂ounter is a Chrome extension that tracks how many AI prompts a user makes and visualizes their activity in a heat map similar to GitHub commits. Each prompt is associated with an estimated carbon emission, allowing users to see the environmental impact of their AI interactions. The companion dashboard provides insights, statistics, and educational resources, including ways to offset emissions through lifestyle changes or supporting climate nonprofits.

How we built it

Frontend / Dashboard

  • Built with Next.js (React-based) for fast, responsive rendering.
  • Styled using TailwindCSS for clean, adaptive visuals. Backend / API
  • Node.js + Express server that handles authentication and logging prompt data.
  • Firebase database for real-time storage and analytics.
  • JWT token-based authentication to securely link Chrome extension users with their dashboards. Chrome Extension
  • Developed using Manifest Version 3.
  • Tracks AI prompts locally without collecting content or personal data.
  • Sends lightweight prompt count and timestamps to the backend for visualization.

Challenges we ran into

  • Synchronizing login state between the Chrome extension and web dashboard.
  • Translating prompt frequency into meaningful CO₂ metrics.
  • Coordinating extension, backend, and frontend communication within the hackathon’s time constraints.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Built a working end-to-end prototype within the hackathon timeframe.
  • Created a beautiful GitHub-style heatmap visualization of AI activity.
  • Successfully integrated a Chrome Extension → Backend → Dashboard data flow.
  • Developed an eco-awareness tool that aligns technology and sustainability, bringing attention to an issue most users overlook.

What we learned

  • Secure authentication across browser extensions and web apps is complex but rewarding.
  • Sustainability tools benefit from clear, visual storytelling. Users engage more when they can see their impact.
  • Data ethics are crucial. Transparency and privacy must be at the core of green tech.
  • The intersection of AI and environmental awareness is a powerful new space for innovation.

What's next for Co2ounter

  • Cross-platform compatibility: Support for more AI services.
  • Gamification: Achievements, streaks, and leaderboards for “low-carbon usage days.”
  • Offset integration: Direct donation and volunteer links with verified climate orgs.
  • Community & education: Partner with sustainability educators and AI ethicists to promote digital responsibility.

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