Ecosia: The greenest AI is here
Recorded: Dec. 3, 2025, 3:04 a.m.
| Original | Summarized |
Is there a green AI alternative? Get the App x
Get the App x Home Trees News Finances Newsletter Search Search on Ecosia EN Search on Ecosia EN The world’s greenest AI is here 02/12/2025 While the AI race is raging, we’ve been building a better alternative. One that’s helpful, private, and optional — and that puts the planet first. AI, but thoughtfulAI-powered chatbots and search tools are fast becoming the way people ask questions online. To meet this moment — and to keep using 100% of our profits for the planet — we’re rolling out two features today, alongside a refreshed look. Overviews give you a quick summary at the top of your search results, always with citations so you can explore the original sources yourself.Prefer the classic experience? You can turn Overviews off with a single click.For more detailed questions or ongoing conversations, try AI Search — an interactive chat mode where you can ask anything, from plant-based recipes to travel ideas. You can also receive eco tips rooted in the latest environmental science, if you choose.As a not-for-profit company, we can afford to do things differently. AI Search uses smaller, more efficient models, and we avoid energy-heavy features like video generation altogether. AI that answers to the planetReducing AI’s footprint isn’t enough — we’re here to make a positive impact. That’s why we generate more renewable energy than our AI features use, from 100% clean sources like solar and wind.We’ve invested €18M in renewable energy projects — expanding solar parks and adding clean power to the grid. The energy we generate helps displace fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.We use tools like the AI Energy Score and Ecologits to select efficient models and track their energy use — keeping our process transparent, and ourselves accountable.Your data stays yoursOur new features respect your privacy as much as they respect the planet. We collect only what’s necessary to deliver a great product, and not a byte more.Earlier this year, we launched an independent European search index, which already powers AI Overviews and some of our search results. Building our own infrastructure gives us more control over the technology, so we can make it greener and more privacy-friendly.Unlike Big Tech, we don’t run email, maps, or payment platforms, so we couldn’t piece together your life even if we wanted to. That’s not our business, and it never will be. As a European company, we’re bound by strict privacy laws like the GDPR, which means your data stays yours.AI shouldn’t come at the cost of privacy. After all, we’re here for the trees, not your data.For people and the planetWe’re learning as we go, and we’d love your thoughts along the way. Tell us what works, what doesn’t, and what you’d like to see next at AI.feedback@ecosia.org. Together, we can shape a future that’s not just more intelligent, but kinder, too. It’s the smartest thing to do. TechSearch Engine
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Dig deeper... News What we’re doing with AI Artificial intelligence is reaching into nearly every aspect of life — from politics and culture to the global economy. Online search is no exception. News The internet just got better: our European search index goes live We’ve started delivering independent search results from our European-based index. This will help us build the kind of ethical and fair internet we believe in. News Track your daily climate impact with our new counter We’ve created a new way for you to see how your searches are helping the planet. Get Ecosia for free and plant your first tree! Add Ecosia to Set as Homepage x Stay inspired with Ecosia updates Subscribe By subscribing, I agree to Ecosia's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Privacy Policy |
This document outlines the launch of “thoughtfulAI,” a search engine and AI-powered chatbot developed by Ecosia, a not-for-profit company prioritizing environmental sustainability. The core proposition centers on creating an AI solution that minimizes its environmental impact while offering a user-friendly and privacy-respecting search experience. Ecosia distinguishes itself from traditional tech giants by employing a fundamentally different operational model. Instead of pursuing profit maximization, the company’s entire revenue stream is dedicated to planting trees through its search engine activity. This foundational element drives the development of “thoughtfulAI,” a suite of tools designed to reduce the AI’s carbon footprint. Specifically, the project leverages smaller, more energy-efficient AI models, actively avoiding computationally intensive features such as video generation. This strategy directly addresses concerns regarding the substantial energy consumption associated with large-scale AI models. A key component of “thoughtfulAI” is the introduction of “Overviews,” which provide concise summaries of search results alongside citations, encouraging users to explore the original sources. Additionally, an interactive chat mode, referred to as “AI Search,” allows for extended, iterative inquiries, incorporating eco-related tips derived from environmental science. The development of these features contrasts sharply with the data-gathering practices of larger technology corporations, reflecting Ecosia’s commitment to privacy and data minimization. To further solidify their sustainability efforts, Ecosia has invested €18 million in renewable energy projects. This investment translates to the expansion of solar parks and the integration of clean energy into the electricity grid. The energy generated through these projects actively contributes to displacing fossil fuel-based power, accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. Operational transparency is achieved through the utilization of tools like the “AI Energy Score” and “Ecologits,” which rigorously track and monitor the energy usage of the AI models, fostering accountability and promoting continuous improvement. Ecosia’s technological infrastructure is built around an independent European search index, providing greater control and fostering a more ethical and equitable internet environment. This also directly addresses concerns about data neutrality and potential biases inherent in centralized search platforms. The company explicitly rejects the practice of collecting user data for platform operations, such as email, mapping, or payment systems, consistently upholding strict adherence to data privacy regulations like the GDPR. The development of “thoughtfulAI” is presented as a collaborative effort, emphasizing user feedback as a critical aspect of the product’s evolution. Ecosia invites users to provide input through a dedicated feedback channel, illustrating a commitment to iterative development and responsiveness to user needs. The overall message is that “thoughtfulAI” represents a paradigm shift in the application of artificial intelligence, aligning technological advancement with environmental stewardship. |