Building a zero-dependency carbon calculator platform — architecture decisions and why I rejected every framework

📰 Dev.to · Jeremiah Say

Learn how to build a zero-dependency carbon calculator platform and the architecture decisions behind it, including why every framework was rejected.

intermediate Published 10 May 2026
Action Steps
  1. Design a zero-dependency architecture for a carbon calculator platform using vanilla JavaScript and CSS.
  2. Evaluate and reject frameworks based on dependency requirements and performance needs.
  3. Implement a custom solution using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to ensure minimal dependencies.
  4. Test and optimize the platform for performance and scalability.
  5. Consider the trade-offs between using a framework and building a custom solution.
Who Needs to Know This

This article is relevant to software engineers, web developers, and product managers working on sustainability projects, as it provides insights into building a zero-dependency platform and making informed architecture decisions.

Key Insight

💡 A zero-dependency architecture can be achieved using vanilla JavaScript and CSS, and frameworks can be rejected based on dependency requirements and performance needs.

Share This
💡 Build a zero-dependency carbon calculator platform using vanilla JavaScript and CSS. Learn why every framework was rejected and how to make informed architecture decisions. #webdev #sustainability

Key Takeaways

Learn how to build a zero-dependency carbon calculator platform and the architecture decisions behind it, including why every framework was rejected.

Full Article

Title: Building a zero-dependency carbon calculator platform — architecture decisions and why I rejected every framework

URL Source: https://dev.to/jeremiah_say/building-a-zero-dependency-carbon-calculator-platform-architecture-decisions-and-why-i-rejected-2dpf

Published Time: 2026-05-10T09:02:30Z

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Posted on May 10

# Building a zero-dependency carbon calculator platform — architecture decisions and why I rejected every framework

[#javascript](https://dev.to/t/javascript)[#webdev](https://dev.to/t/webdev)[#sustainability](https://dev.to/t/sustainability)[#css](https://dev.to/t/css)

When I started building GreenCalculus — a carbon calculator platform

for sustainabili
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