Comprehensive Guide

Sustainability Guide for Web Developers

Everything you need to know about building eco-friendly websites and reducing your digital carbon footprint.

Contents

Introduction to Sustainable Web Development

The internet consumes approximately 416 TWh of electricity annually — more than the entire United Kingdom. Every website, every click, every byte transferred contributes to this digital carbon footprint.

Key Statistics

  • • The ICT sector produces 2-4% of global carbon emissions
  • • This is comparable to the aviation industry
  • • The average webpage produces 1.76g of CO2 per view
  • • A site with 10,000 monthly views emits 211 kg of CO2 per year

As developers, we have the power — and responsibility — to reduce this impact. Sustainable web development isn't just about environmental benefits; it also leads to faster websites, better user experiences, lower hosting costs, and improved SEO.

What You'll Learn

How to measure your website's environmental impact
Practical optimization strategies
Choosing sustainable hosting providers
Designing for efficiency
Best development practices
Tools and resources to help you