Public methodology · azalee-env-v1.0

Environmental Ledger for AI events.

Azalee makes estimated energy, water and CO₂e values per logged AI event traceable. Not as an allegedly exact data-centre measurement, but with ranges, provenance and data quality.

The most important statement

Azalee estimates whenever no measured or operator-reported value exists. An environmental value is neither a certification nor proof of climate neutrality. The annual report documents methodology, limits and data coverage.

Energy

Wh or kWh as a range. Reported measurements take precedence, then token counts, finally a documented default assumption.

Water

ml or litres as a scenario for operational water demand. Without an operator value, no exact cooling technology is claimed.

CO₂e

g or kg CO₂e. A logged regional grid intensity is used; otherwise the range deliberately stays wide.

Data source priority

1. Measured

Energy, water or CO₂e value from a traceable measurement source.

2. Reported

Provider, infrastructure or customer value stored in the event with source and range.

3. Token-based

Estimate based on reported input and output tokens with versioned scenario factors.

4. Fallback

When no usage data exists, Azalee uses a clearly marked default assumption with low confidence.

Methodological system boundaries

AreaIncluded by default?
Inference activity of the logged eventYes, as a measurement or estimate
Model trainingNo
Network and end deviceNo, unless explicitly logged
Manufacturing / embodied emissionsNo, unless explicitly logged
Offsets, avoided emissions, climate neutralityNo automatic statement

Recommended event schema

{
  "metadata": {
    "environmental": {
      "provider": "provider-name",
      "model": "model-name",
      "region": "eu",
      "input_tokens": 420,
      "output_tokens": 180,
      "energy_wh": null,
      "water_ml": null,
      "carbon_intensity_g_per_kwh": null,
      "source": "estimated"
    }
  }
}

Raw prompts, model replies or personal content are not needed for the environmental calculation.

Annual Environmental Evidence Report

The export contains annual values, ranges, a breakdown per AI system, data coverage, methodology version and deliberate exclusions. HTML is printable and can be archived as PDF; JSON and CSV enable independent analysis.

Open to expert review: Azalee only names organisations, NGOs or standards as partners or reviewers once an actual collaboration has been agreed.

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