What is sustainable webdesign?

Sustainability

Design + Code

Understanding Sustainable Web Design

Did you know that if the Internet were a country, it would rank as the fourth largest polluter? This startling fact, based on a 2021 study by Freitag et al., compares the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector's emissions with fossil CO2 emissions by country, according to 2020 data from the European Union's Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR).

The Sustainable Web Manifesto highlights a commonly overlooked issue: the environmental impact of the digital sector. We're often aware of the emissions from cars and factories, but the digital world, including our everyday websites, plays a significant role too.

The Environmental Impact of a Typical Website

Consider this: the average web page emits about 0.8 grams of CO2 equivalent per page view. For a website with 10,000 monthly views, this amounts to 102 kg CO2e annually, as estimated by the Website Carbon Calculator v3. It's a small footprint per visit, but it adds up quickly with the scale of global internet usage.

Reducing Impact with a Low-CO2 Website

Developing a low-CO2 website involves several key strategies:

Efficient Coding: Streamlining code reduces data transfer from servers.
Sustainable Hosting: Using servers powered by renewable energy and designed for longevity is essential.
Design Choices: Opting for smart design elements, like minimal fonts, vector graphics, and less reliance on heavy visuals, helps reduce a site’s carbon footprint.
Concise Writing: Clear messaging guides users effectively, avoiding unnecessary site navigation.
SEO: Good SEO practices attract genuinely interested visitors, reducing wasteful traffic.

Features of a Low-Carbon Website

Creating a low-carbon website involves several tactical decisions:

Image Optimization: Use smaller images in modern formats.
Code Efficiency: Writing better, more concise code.
Video Usage: Limit videos to essential content and optimize their size.
Lazy Loading: Load images only when they're about to enter the viewport.
Code Optimization: Remove unused code segments.
Avoid Embedding Social Media Feeds: These require additional data and increase load times.
Eco-Friendly Hosting: Choose a hosting provider committed to renewable energy, extended server life, and a robust CO2-offset program.
Minimize External Tools: Reducing reliance on external platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media.
Image Resizing: Optimize images before uploading without sacrificing quality.
File Minification: Reduce file size for faster load times.

In conclusion, sustainable web design is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for reducing the digital world's environmental impact. By making mindful choices in design, hosting, and content, we can significantly lessen our digital carbon footprint. Remember, every small step towards a more sustainable website contributes to a larger change in reducing global emissions.