Three ways web development can help the environment

Like all technological processes that rely on energy resources and man-made hardware, web development is an industry that can have significant negative impacts on the health of our environment. The kinds of applications, games and sites produced in web development are likely to be accessed by tens of millions of visitors each year, so the speed and efficiency of websites and applications can impact in positive or negative ways on energy resources, just as the production and destruction of computer hardware can contribute environmental degradation.

Although it's not realistic to imagine that we could live without the benefits that web development has brought to our lives and industries, those working in the area should note the possible consequences of their actions and take steps toward preventing any further, unnecessary destruction of the Earth's resources. While environmental organisations are at the forefront of efforts to save the planet, those working in web development can take similar steps to minimise their carbon footprint. Here are three easy methods to consider :

1. Re-think, re-use, re-cycle: Although recycling is the approach that should be taken wherever possible to the hardware used in web development, it can also be applied to the code that is used in the creation of new applications and websites. Energy and time can be saved significantly during web development if you choose to use proven applications that are already in place on other websites. Similarly, web development activities can be put to good use in the development of CMS (Content Management Systems) that effectively render self-sustainable websites which require very little production of new code and ongoing maintenance. All of these kinds of efforts ensure that less unnecessary pressure is placed on energy resources and the environment.
2. Adopt green web development principles: The idea of adopting green web development principles may seem completely bizarre to someone who hasn't considered this before, but it's really quite straightforward. Although when you are working on website projects, the best action you can make is to work as quickly as possible to avoid wasting power, the finished projects you create can have an ongoing positive effect. That's so long as you concentrate on developing simpler pages and applications that load quickly thus reducing the energy used in the transfer of information. Because LCD monitors are the most popular kinds of screen monitors used across the world today, you could also consider using lighter colours in the background shades of web pages that require far less energy to display than dark colours.
3. Encourage Eco-Friendly Hosting: As the general population becomes more aware of the strains that modern human activities place on the environment, eco-friendly carbon neutral or carbon reduced web hosting services are becoming more and more popular. Those working in website development can encourage their clients to adopt eco-friendly web hosting solutions that make a significant contribution toward conserving the environment through carbon off-setting measures. You may consider offering discounted web development services as an incentive to encourage your entire client base to shift across to eco-friendly hosting services.