Model Comparison
GitHub Copilot vs GPT-4o
GitHub Copilot: StandardGPT-4o: Ultra-efficient
Side-by-side environmental impact comparison. GitHub Copilot uses 3.5x more energy per query.
GitHub Copilot uses 3.5x more energy than GPT-4o
1.5 Wh vs 0.43 Wh per query · 0.66 g vs 0.19 g CO₂ · 5 mL vs 2 mL water
GitHub Copilot
GitHub / OpenAI
Energy per query1.5 Wh
CO₂ per query0.66 g
Water per query5 mL
VS
GPT-4o
OpenAI
Energy per query0.43 Wh
CO₂ per query0.19 g
Water per query2 mL
GitHub Copilot
ProviderGitHub / OpenAI
CategoryCode Assistant
Inference LocationAzure US (primarily East)
Confidenceestimated
Efficiency TierStandard
GPT-4o
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure US East / Sweden
Confidencepeer-reviewed
Efficiency TierUltra-efficient
Frequently Asked Questions
Which uses more energy, GitHub Copilot or GPT-4o?
GitHub Copilot uses 3.5x more energy per query than GPT-4o. GitHub Copilot uses 1.5 Wh per query, while GPT-4o uses 0.43 Wh.
What is the carbon footprint difference between GitHub Copilot and GPT-4o?
GitHub Copilot uses 3.5x more CO₂ per query than GPT-4o. GitHub Copilot emits 0.66 g of CO₂ per query compared to GPT-4o's 0.19 g.
Which is more environmentally friendly, GitHub Copilot or GPT-4o?
GPT-4o is the more environmentally friendly option, using 0.43 Wh per query compared to GitHub Copilot's 1.5 Wh. That makes GitHub Copilot roughly 3.5x more energy-intensive.
Calculate your footprint with these models
See how your daily usage of GitHub Copilot and GPT-4o adds up over time. Our calculator estimates energy, carbon, and water impact.
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