Research
Publications, methodology papers, and source documentation.
Publications in progress
Formal research publications and working papers are released as our data collection matures. Topics in progress include data center energy estimation methodology, AI training carbon accounting, and semiconductor supply chain impact assessment.
Available now
Environmental Data: Entity Profiles
Energy, carbon, water, and disclosure quality data for AI labs, cloud providers, semiconductor manufacturers, and data center operators. Each metric carries a confidence tier reflecting data quality.
View profilesInfrastructure Observatory
Interactive map of AI-related data center and power sites, each with environmental context (water stress, grid carbon intensity, drought risk) and documented community concern records.
View mapData Methodology
How we approach environmental intelligence: confidence tier definitions (A–E), disclosure quality framework (T1–T6), data sources, and estimation methods.
Read the methodologyInfrastructure Methodology
Inclusion criteria, site classification definitions, environmental data sources (WRI Aqueduct 4.0, EPA eGrid, IEA), and community concern standards for the infrastructure observatory.
Read the methodologyIn progress
Data center energy estimation (working paper)
Documenting the capacity model, query-volume model, and capex-proxy estimation cascade used when direct disclosure is unavailable. Includes source citations for all constants.
Draft in preparation
AI training carbon accounting
Methodology for attributing Scope 2 emissions to AI training workloads when company reports aggregate all operations. Addresses the renewable energy matching problem.
Draft in preparation
Semiconductor supply chain impact
Environmental burden analysis of GPU and memory manufacturing: fab energy, water, and chemical inputs from TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix production nodes.
Draft in preparation
Collaborate
We are looking for collaborators with expertise in energy systems analysis, life cycle assessment, satellite imagery analysis, corporate disclosure review, and environmental policy. If you have data, methods, or findings that could improve our coverage, contact us at research@openbutterfly.com.