Microsoft Teams vs Slack

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

Supporting comparison page

Microsoft Teams

Work

50g

CO2 / HOUR

Higher emissions

Slack

Work

30g

CO2 / HOUR

Data-backed comparison

Summary

When comparing Microsoft Teams and Slack, Microsoft Teams generates significantly more CO2 emissions per hour (50g) than Slack (30g). 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 Slack is modeled at 30g, so the visible gap is 20g 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 20g CO2 more per unit of use than Slack.

Deep dive into their footprints

Read the full Microsoft Teams report Read the full Slack report

Comparison takeaways

Microsoft Teams is modeled at 50g CO2 per unit, while Slack is modeled at 30g, so the visible gap is 20g 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

IdleForest is a desktop app that plants trees in the background while your computer is idle. It uses your unused internet bandwidth to fund reforestation projects.

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