Taylor Swift recently came under scrutiny for the number of private flights she was taking as part of her Eras tour, and the environmental impact these would be having. However, what if I told you that we’re all part of a much bigger environmental problem, with double the impact of aviation (2% of greenhouse gas emissions)?
As consumer awareness of the environmental impact of businesses grows year on year, it becomes more and more important to align with their values. Add in the fact that huge brands are committing to become net-zero over the next few years, and it comes clear how important sustainability is.
Digital sustainability is an emerging concept which addresses the environmental impacts of digital technologies and practices. It involves designing, developing, and managing digital solutions in a way which minimises their ecological footprint and aligns with sustainable development goals.
By embracing digital sustainability, we can help to lower the 3.9% of greenhouse gas emissions being caused by the internet.
Understanding digital sustainability
Digital sustainability includes various practices aimed at reducing the environmental impact of digital activities. This includes:
- Optimising website performance to reduce energy consumption
- Leveraging eco-friendly hosting solutions
- Promoting the use of sustainable design principles
By integrating these practices, businesses can ensure their digital presence supports long-term ecological balance and contributes to a circular economy.
Key components of digital sustainability
Energy efficiency:
Reducing the energy consumption of digital devices and infrastructure is a fundamental aspect of digital sustainability. Data centres are estimated to consume the same amount of electricity as Japan, as the modern world demands access to data 24/7.
Efficient coding, server optimisation, and the use of green data centres can significantly decrease energy usage, leading to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint. For example, the combined electricity use by major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta more than doubled between 2017 and 2021, highlighting the need for efficiency improvements.
Eco-friendly hosting:
Choosing hosting providers which use renewable energy sources can significantly lower the carbon footprint of digital operations by up to 9%.
This not only helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also aligns your business with the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible companies.
Sustainable design:
Implementing sustainable design principles, such as using lightweight code and optimising images, can improve website performance and reduce energy usage. A faster, more efficient website enhances user experience, leading to higher engagement and better SEO rankings.
Efficiently designed websites not only consume less energy but also perform better in terms of speed and usability. A Deloitte study found that improving the loading time of a site by 0.1 second resulted in improvements of:
- 9.2% increase in average order value
- 8.4% increase in user transactions
- 5.7% decrease in bounce rates
- 5.2% increase in page views/session
- 5.5% increase in lead generation
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs):
Using CDNs can enhance website speed and efficiency by distributing content closer to the user, thereby reducing the energy required for data transmission. This not only boosts website performance but also contributes to a better user experience, which can increase customer satisfaction and retention.
Green cloud computing:
Adopting green cloud computing solutions can help businesses reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease their overall energy consumption. Cloud providers which use renewable energy sources for their data centres support sustainable business models and reduce the environmental impact of digital technologies.
Internet of Things (IoT):
IoT devices, when managed sustainably, can improve efficiency and reduce waste in various business processes. Integrating IoT into supply chains can help monitor and reduce energy usage, thereby supporting digital sustainability efforts.
Benefits of digital sustainability
Environmental impact:
By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to global efforts against climate change. This not only helps protect the planet but also aligns with corporate social responsibility goals.
Cost savings:
Energy-efficient practices often lead to lower operational costs, as they reduce the amount of energy consumed by digital infrastructure. These savings can be reinvested into other areas of the business, driving growth and innovation.
Enhanced user experience:
Optimised websites not only perform better but also provide a smoother, faster experience for users. This can lead to increased engagement, lower bounce rates, and higher conversion rates, directly impacting your business’s bottom line.
Corporate responsibility:
Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can enhance a company’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. This can differentiate your brand in a competitive market and build long-term customer loyalty.
Take the first steps towards achieving digital sustainability
Incorporate digital sustainability into your strategy today and be part of the solution for a greener tomorrow.
Our experts are here to help you reduce the environmental impact of your digital activities, optimise your operations, and adopt sustainable business models that ensure long-term success. Get in touch with us today to explore how our digital sustainability services can drive your organisation forward