Terms of Use

OpenButterfly is a public resource. Our environmental data and methodology are freely available for research, journalism, and policy use.

Using our data

Environmental data, estimates, and methodology published on this site may be used for research, journalism, education, and policy analysis without prior permission, provided that OpenButterfly is cited as the source and a link to the relevant page is included where technically possible.

Commercial use, including incorporation of our data into products or services sold to third parties, requires written permission. Contact research@openbutterfly.com to discuss licensing.

Accuracy and limitations

Our data represents our best assessment of available evidence at the time of the most recent review. Every figure carries an explicit confidence tier, from directly measured data to sector-level estimates, which should be read and cited alongside the figure itself.

Environmental accounting in the AI sector involves genuine uncertainty. We document our methodology, assumptions, and limitations openly. Users of our data are responsible for understanding those limitations before drawing conclusions or publishing derivative work.

OpenButterfly is provided as-is. We make no warranty, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or fitness for any particular purpose of the information published here.

Corrections

If you believe a figure or attribution is incorrect, please contact us at research@openbutterfly.com with supporting evidence. We review corrections promptly and update our records when the evidence warrants a change.

Prohibited uses

MisrepresentationDo not present our estimates as verified or measured data when they carry a lower confidence tier. Always cite the confidence designation alongside the figure.
DecontextualisationDo not extract single figures in ways that strip methodological context or reverse the meaning of our assessments.
Automated scrapingHigh-frequency automated access to our site degrades the service for others. Use our published data exports or contact us for bulk data access.

Changes to these terms

We may update these terms as the site evolves. Material changes will be noted on this page. These terms were last updated June 2026.