Brighter Planet organization was acquired in 2013.

The information below is no long valid and is presented for the record books.


When you use your Brighter Planet Visa Signature credit or debit card to make a purchase, you help fund renewable energy projects across the country.

Do good for the world and yourself because in addition, the Brighter Planet Visa Signature Card rewards your involvement with:

  •  3% cash back on gas
  • 2% cash back on groceries
  • 1% on everything else
  • No annual fee
  • A 10% customer bonus upon redeeming your points into your Brighter Planet checking account or any other Bank of America checking or savings account
  • Introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles of a new account
  • Zero liability fraud protection
  • Extended warranties
  • Purchase security
  • Plus more services – read application for details

Brighter Planet is a small, committed  team based in Vermont, New York City, and San Francisco.

It is proud to have some of the nation’s leading technology and sustainability experts on its leadership boards and to partner with a wide range of organizations in developing solutions to the earth’s energy challenges.


carbon footprints illustrate environment impact greenhouse gas

Rise and Fall of Brighter Planet

Brighter Planet was a pioneering technology company focused on sustainability and environmental impact. Founded in 2005, the company developed innovative tools, APIs, and data services to help individuals and businesses measure, understand, and reduce their carbon footprints. Brighter Planet became known for its comprehensive carbon calculation methodologies, such as its CM1 Carbon Model, and for making sustainability data accessible to a broad audience.

Key Milestones and Operations

  • Founding and Mission: Brighter Planet originated as a project at Middlebury College and quickly evolved into a mission-driven startup passionate about leveraging technology and data for positive environmental change. The company’s products enabled users to measure their climate impact, discover ways to reduce it, and track their progress over time.
  • Innovations: The company’s offerings included web-based carbon calculation tools and APIs (notably the Carbon Middleware API), which were used globally by individuals, developers, and organizations seeking to manage and mitigate their environmental impact.
  • Work Culture: Brighter Planet fostered a collaborative, innovation-focused startup environment, with employees dedicated to sustainability and technological advancement.

Acquisition and Closure

  • In 2013, Brighter Planet was acquired by Cenergistic (formerly Energy Education Inc.), which integrated Brighter Planet’s technology into its own energy conservation programs.
  • Despite its early promise and influence, Brighter Planet ceased independent operations after the acquisition. While its tools and methodologies continued to have an impact, the original company and its online presence eventually closed. The most recent available information confirms that Brighter Planet was no longer active by 2024.

Legacy


Brighter Planet’s legacy lies in its role as an early innovator in the climate tech sector, making carbon measurement and reduction accessible to a wide audience. Its technology and data models influenced subsequent sustainability initiatives and remain a reference point for environmental data solutions.

In summary, Brighter Planet was a notable sustainability-focused tech company founded in 2005, acquired in 2013, and closed by 2024, leaving behind a significant impact on environmental data tools and climate action.

Citations


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