Open
Calculator

A new standard of transparency

Open Source | User Owned Data
Collaborative | Research Focused

Why another calculator?

In the development of the Empowerment Institute’s forthcoming Carbon Neutral Neighborhood program, we sought a replacement for the nearly two-decade-old calculator initially designed for Cool Block. Our evaluation revealed that existing calculators failed to meet our requirements and were similarly inadequate for many others. We invite you to review the innovative approaches we are implementing in our new model, and we are confident you will find these enhancements compelling.

A new approach

Open Calculator is engineered using LINCD, an open-source protocol designed for code and data sharing. This platform employs a groundbreaking method that facilitates global collaboration while upholding data sovereignty. Key features include:

  • Data Protection: At its core, the system ensures sensitive data is safeguarded through a user-owned data infrastructure.
  • Shared Meta-Data: Aggregated metadata is securely exchanged to enhance the model’s utility for all users.
  • Integration Flexibility: The calculator can be seamlessly integrated into websites and apps, and styled to align with the specific project it is used within.
  • Resource Repository: Offers a comprehensive suite of equations, forms, graphs, interactive modules, and components that are readily accessible for use or enhancement.
  • Modular Design: Users can select from preset configurations or customize modules to meet the specific needs of their project.
  • Accessibility: Open Calculator is freely available to all.

Dashboard and Collaboration

  • Dashboard Features: Users can view their results and benchmark them against others.
  • Active Collaboration: Researchers and students are encouraged to contribute their research or code, enhancing the tool’s accuracy and breadth.

Academic Contributions

  • Research Integration: All equations are accompanied by directly cited research, streamlining access to relevant information.
  • Quality Assurance: The system includes health checks on equations and identifies when replication studies are needed, providing excellent opportunities for academic projects.

Tools for Engagement

  • Internal Tools: Facilitates discussions and consensus-building among users to maintain the highest standards.
  • Classroom Application: Enables students to undertake advanced projects on topics like climate science, with opportunities for their innovations to be globally adopted.

Business and Organizational Use

  • Data Accuracy: Open Calculator addresses common data collection issues by comparing each response against localized and demographically relevant averages.
  • Ease of Implementation: Provides tools that businesses, NGOs, and impact organizations can easily incorporate into their digital platforms.

Governmental Insights

  • Community Overview: Allows governments to monitor climate actions within their jurisdictions and provides summaries of data from various sectors.

Empowering Individuals

  • Personal Impact: Empowers individuals to understand and manage their environmental impact, fostering community-level change.

 

This comprehensive approach positions Open Calculator as a pivotal tool for research, education, and practical application across various sectors.

Coming Soon

The release of Open Calculator is slated for 2025. To receive the latest updates, contribute to its development, or explore sponsorship opportunities that can accelerate the availability of new features, we invite you to share a brief introduction about yourself here:

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