5 steps to reduce the carbon footprint of your website

Websites contribute to carbon emissions primary through hosting them in a data centres, and also through displaying them to end users on digital devices.

Globally, the internet emits roughly the same amount of carbon as aviation.

To start your journey towards a greener website, we've put together 5 steps to consider implementing on your website.

Summary:

1. Choose a green web host powered by renewable energy
2. Reduce the file size of images 
3. Reduce video content
4. Regularly check for and remove redundant content
5. Reduce unnecessary tracking and cookies
6. Adopt sustainable design principles

Use a green web host

Visit the Green Web Foundation to check if your website is running on green energy. If not do some research to find a green hosting provider in your region, or ask us for a recommendation.

Reduce the file size of images

Optimize and compress images to reduce their file sizes without sacrificing quality. As a result, less data is transferred and loading times are sped up.

Reduce video content 

Reduce data usage from video streaming by limiting the use videos and keeping video content short. Avoid auto-play video which utilise more energy, and where you do use auto-play images remember to always include a pause button for users to control their viewing experience.

Regularly review your website for redundant content

It's important to keep track of what content you have on your website website. Even if the page is no longer visible, if it's stored in the CMS then it's taking up space on the server, included in regular back-ups, and producing carbon unnecessarily.

Ask yourself: "Do I really need this new page or is it just cluttering up the site?' or 'Is there any other content that could be easily incorporated into this page?'

Regular cleaning of pages that are no longer being used saves energy and helps site visitors find what they need quickly and easily.

Write using plain English

Writing in a clear and understandable way benefits SEO and helps users find what they are looking for more easily.

This also means you reduce the time they spend on the website, and delivers a better user experience, which help reduce carbon emissions

Adopt sustainable design principles

Using a simple and clean design, reduces resource-intensive elements, improving the overall efficiency of websites. Low carbon websites limit the the use of white backgrounds, avoid decorative fonts, and use smaller images.

Where to start?

At Path, we work with our clients to help them determine the environmental impact of their website, identify key areas for improvement, and recommend practical steps to take to make a positive difference.

Get in touch at hello@path.ie or call 01 6799212.