Lately, there has been much talk about the consumption of energy, water, and the emissions associated with the large data centers required for artificial intelligence.
But this is nothing new: for a long time, existing websites have also contributed to the total emissions derived from human activity.
Every time you visit a webpage (or use an app on your phone), you are consuming energy and therefore adding —even if only a little— greenhouse gases. You’re not just draining your phone or laptop battery, but also all the infrastructure needed to deliver the data to you: networks, servers, etc.
So, the first step is to be aware of it; and then, perhaps, start thinking about how to reduce our “environmental footprint.” This is especially relevant if we work in the digital sector.
The good news is that many of the practices (if not all) that make websites more sustainable also make them faster and more accessible. A win-win.
Where does a website’s consumption come from?
Three main factors determine a webpage’s footprint:
1. Hosting
Some providers run on renewable energy and efficient systems, while others depend on networks with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Data center efficiency can make a huge difference, so it’s always worth choosing the cleanest possible hosting. Often, it doesn’t cost more.
2. User connection
Connection time and the number of pages visited have a direct impact on resource consumption. It’s clear: the less we browse, the fewer resources we consume… and it might even help us disconnect!
3. Website weight
The larger a page is —mainly due to unoptimized images and videos—, the more data must be transferred. This means more energy consumed on the server, the network, and the visitor’s device. A lightweight, well-optimized page can use up to ten times less energy than one overloaded with unnecessary effects.
In fact, one of the simplest points is often overlooked: avoiding oversized images.
Interesting references
- Low-Tech Magazine Solar Web
solar.lowtechmagazine.com
A website that only works when the sun is shining. The server, located near Barcelona, runs on a solar panel with limited battery storage. When the energy runs out, the site goes offline until the sun returns. The entire design is focused on minimizing page and image weight. A radical reminder that every click has a real energy cost. - The Green Web Foundation
thegreenwebfoundation.org
This organization certifies which hosting providers run on renewable energy. You can check if a site uses “green electricity” simply by entering its address. - Sustainable Web Design
sustainablewebdesign.org
A resource with guidelines and best practices to reduce the environmental impact of digital design. - Website Carbon Calculator
websitecarbon.com
A tool that measures a website’s footprint and compares it with others.
What do we do at Pimpampum?
At Pimpampum, we want the websites we create to be not only useful but also more sustainable. That’s why:
- We choose responsible hosting
We work with Infomaniak, a Swiss provider powered by 100% renewable energy and committed to energy efficiency. - We optimize images and resources
We reduce image weight without losing quality and avoid loading unnecessary code or elements. - We raise awareness
We explain to clients and collaborators that a lightweight website is faster, more accessible, and also more sustainable. - We are part of the Barcelona + Sostenible network
A community of organizations and individuals committed to the city’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability. - We are developing a WordPress plugin
This tool will display an estimate of the energy consumption and emissions of each visit. The goal is to inform visitors while also raising awareness.
