At AirGradient, environmental responsibility is foundational to how we operate. From how we design our hardware to how we share data we aim to align our business model with measurable environmental and social impact.
Today we wanted to highlight some of our key initiatives focused specifically on environmental responsibility, including our 1% for the Planet commitment, open-source approach, circular product design, and global public-interest deployments. For a full overview of our broader Corporate Social Responsibility framework, please visit our dedicated CSR page on our professional website.
1% for the Planet Membership
AirGradient has been a verified member of 1% for the Planet since 2022, committing a minimum of 1% of annual sales to certified environmental non-profit organisations. This creates a direct financial link between our commercial activity and environmental protection efforts globally.
Open-Source Technology & No Vendor Lock-In
All AirGradient hardware designs and firmware are published under open-source licenses (CC-BY-SA and AGPL). Our systems are designed without proprietary lock-in: users retain full access to raw data, APIs, and firmware, and may host data independently.
This approach supports:
- Independent verification of processing methods
- Long-term repairability and local maintenance
- Community ownership of environmental infrastructure
- Reduced technological obsolescence
- Capacity building in LMIC
By avoiding closed ecosystems, we contribute to a more transparent and sustainable environmental monitoring landscape.
Product Longevity & Circular Design
AirGradient monitors are designed to be modular and repairable. Spare parts are available on our website, and documentation is public, enabling users to repair rather than replace devices. This reduces electronic waste and extends product lifespan, aligning with circular economy principles.
Open Data Contribution
AirGradient maintains a direct data link to OpenAQ, contributing more than 2000 locations of community-generated air quality data to a global open-access platform used by researchers, policymakers, and public health organisations. We actively promote the principle that air quality data should be treated as a public good.
Global Capacity Building & Public Interest Deployments
AirGradient collaborates with schools, NGOs, and international organisations to deploy air quality monitoring networks in underserved regions. These initiatives focus on enabling local ownership of environmental data and supporting evidence-based public health and environmental policy.
Examples include:
- Nationwide school air quality monitoring projects
- Rural community monitoring programmes
- Partnerships with organisations such as UNDP and UNICEF
These efforts expand access to reliable air quality data in regions where monitoring infrastructure is limited or previously unavailable.
Air quality is our core focus and area of expertise. But air pollution does not exist in isolation - it is deeply connected to the broader environmental condition and climate challenges. Because of this, we believe that working in air quality also carries a responsibility to consider our wider environmental impact.
