Gmail vs Microsoft Teams

This comparison uses the current IdleForest model for Gmail and Microsoft Teams: their category, modeled CO2 per use unit, methodology notes, key drivers, and assumptions.

Supporting comparison page

Gmail

Work

CO2 / HOUR

Microsoft Teams

Work

50g

CO2 / HOUR

Higher emissions

Data-backed comparison

Summary

When comparing Gmail and Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams generates significantly more CO2 emissions per hour (50g) than Gmail (8g). Both applications rely on devices, networks, and server infrastructure, which all contribute to their environmental impact.

Why the gap happens

Microsoft Teams is modeled at 50g CO2 per unit, while Gmail is modeled at 8g, so the visible gap is 42g in the current dataset.
Both products sit in the Work category, so the difference comes from the per-product estimate and page-level methodology fields rather than a category change.
Video, screen sharing, and participant count all change the intensity of online work tools.

What to act on first

Because Microsoft Teams is higher in the current model, start there: Turn video off when it is not necessary for the meeting outcome.

Microsoft Teams is currently modeled at 42g CO2 more per unit of use than Gmail.

Deep dive into their footprints

Read the full Gmail report Read the full Microsoft Teams report

Comparison takeaways

Microsoft Teams is modeled at 50g CO2 per unit, while Gmail is modeled at 8g, so the visible gap is 42g in the current dataset.

Both products sit in the Work category, so the difference comes from the per-product estimate and page-level methodology fields rather than a category change.

About IdleForest

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