The Commons app tracks the carbon footprint of users’ spending. (Photo: Commons)
Compared to the extensive efforts required for corporate supply chain decarbonization, individual carbon reduction is relatively straightforward and rapid. Simple changes in commuting, diet, and consumption behavior can lead to significant results.
There are many mobile applications (apps) available that assist in calculating carbon emissions, with some even offering rewards to boost motivation for reducing emissions. Here are five commonly used apps and tools for carbon reduction, both domestic and international.
1. Klima
Klima allows users to fund carbon reduction projects to achieve personal carbon neutrality goals. (Image: Klima)
Developed by the German startup Climate Labs GmbH, Klima allows users to fund carbon reduction projects to achieve personal carbon neutrality goals. Users can track the progress of their chosen projects at any time.
Klima selects projects based on rankings from the non-profit organization Project Drawdown and requires independent third-party verification. The focus is mainly on reforestation, solar energy, and clean cookstove projects.
2. Wren
Wren is suitable for individuals who are highly engaged with sustainability issues. In collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, Wren calculates personal carbon emissions based on region and lifestyle.
Uniquely, it operates on a subscription model, where users donate a fixed amount monthly to fund carbon reduction projects, helping them achieve carbon neutrality. Users can also combine other reduction methods and participate in monthly carbon reduction leaderboards.
3. Commons
Commons increases incentives through a points system. Developed by Sanchali Pal in 2019, Commons tracks carbon emissions based on users' location, transportation, lifestyle, and credit card information. Users earn points and badges by purchasing environmentally friendly products, which can be redeemed for cash or goods.
The app not only encourages changes in consumption patterns but also invests in carbon removal projects to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions. According to the company’s 2023 social impact report, users reduce their emissions by an average of 19% annually.
4. Carbon Games
Carbon Games gamifies carbon reduction, primarily through carpooling, allowing users to reduce their carbon footprint during daily commutes. Users can collaborate with colleagues and friends to complete tasks while traveling between cities.
The solution is aimed at universities, businesses, and event organizers, helping to consolidate carbon emissions from employee commutes and saving on transportation and parking costs.
5. Custos
Custos encourages employees to reduce their carbon emissions by offering rewards. (Image: Custos)
Custos focuses on corporate users and introduces the concept of "carbon handprint." It encourages employees to reduce their carbon emissions by offering rewards such as gifts and extra vacation days. With no international standards for certain carbon reduction behaviors, such as using public transportation or bringing a reusable cup, Custos digitizes this data to help companies quickly track and manage these efforts.
The company is actively expanding in the Taiwanese market, with notable industry players like TSTI and Shinfox Energy already on board, according to their social media.
Source: Bloomberg, Causeartist, Wired
