Contribute a methodology
Do you own or work on a methodology that helps people estimate the environmental impacts from their digital tech? If so, we would like to include you in the DIST methodology map.
Why should I submit my methodology?
In general, DIST is aimed at making it easier for organisations who want to understand and report on their digital technology environmental impacts. One of the things we frequently hear from first timers is the field of digital sustainability reporting is it’s a minefield to navigate - it’s not clear what’s out there, what the scope of methods are (see DIST taxonomy), how to standardise data and importantly what can be trusted. The DIST methodology map is seeking to make this a whole lot easier.
There’s several advantages to your methodology being included:
- Your work will get more visibility amongst potential users.
- We summarise key information about your methodology, so others can compare and constrast easily.
- We work with you to keep your information accurate, so it can be trusted.
- It’s free to be included.
When should I submit?
You can submit at any time. This is an open process for community contributions.
If you would like to be included in our first carbon methodology map, launching at our GreenIO London 2026 workshop, you have until Thurs 17th September 2026 to get your submission to us. Submitting by this date will leave us with enough time to review and if necessary follow up with any questions we might have.
How do I submit my methodology?
We estimate submitting a methodology will take you about 15 minutes. You can submit via two routes:
1. Submit via GitHub
Submit a methodology using the GitHub template which is prefilled with all required contribution fields.
2. Submit via email
If you cannot use GitHub, please contact the Green Web Foundating using the online support form.
Do you accept submissions on behalf of others?
Sorry, but we don’t. If you are working with methodologies you think should be included in the map, but aren’t directly involved, the most helpful thing you can do is get in contact with the methodology owner and ask them to submit it to us themselves. We want to ensure the methodologies listed in the map are maintained over time, and our experience stewarding the Green Web Dataset has taught us that in order to do that we need to be in direct contact with those owning the things we list.
How do I know if my methodology is suitable?
For a methodology to be considered for inclusion in the DIST Methodologies Map, it must be:
- Relevant to an existing DIST impact dimension.
- Relevant to at least one existing DIST taxonomy sub-category. Multiple sub-categories across different parts of the lifecycle are accepted.
- Producing outputs in a single, standard measurement unit eg CO2eg, kWH etc.
- A complete submission - information for all of the fields marked as required in the “Methodology fields” table below are included when you submit.
- Available through an online, accessible URL - we accept closed source methodologies, but you must have at least a marketing page.
Further to these guidelines, all submissions should also meet the project’s general contribution guidelines as outlined in CONTRIBUTING.md.
Note: If you have a suggestion about how we can improve this contribution process and guidelines, please create an issue in the DIST GitHub repository.
What happens after I submit my methodology?
The process for including a methodology in the DIST Methodologies Map is outlined below in text and visual formats.
- A GitHub issue is created using the provided template.
- A DIST maintainer will review the issue to ensure that it meets the submission and contribution guidelines. You can expect this to happen within seven days of your submission, maybe sooner if we can.
- Meets guidelines: A DIST maintainer will add the methodology to the DIST Methodologies Map
- Does not meet guidelines: A DIST maintainer will leave feedback in the GitHub issue. The contributor can act on that feedback to prompt another review of the submission.
