Google Meet vs Microsoft Outlook

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

Supporting comparison page

Google Meet

Work

45g

CO2 / HOUR

Higher emissions

Microsoft Outlook

Work

10g

CO2 / HOUR

Data-backed comparison

Summary

When comparing Google Meet and Microsoft Outlook, Google Meet generates significantly more CO2 emissions per hour (45g) than Microsoft Outlook (10g). Both applications rely on devices, networks, and server infrastructure, which all contribute to their environmental impact.

Why the gap happens

Google Meet is modeled at 45g CO2 per unit, while Microsoft Outlook is modeled at 10g, so the visible gap is 35g 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 Google Meet is higher in the current model, start there: Turn video off when it is not necessary for the meeting outcome.

Google Meet is currently modeled at 35g CO2 more per unit of use than Microsoft Outlook.

Deep dive into their footprints

Read the full Google Meet report Read the full Microsoft Outlook report

Comparison takeaways

Google Meet is modeled at 45g CO2 per unit, while Microsoft Outlook is modeled at 10g, so the visible gap is 35g 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.

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