Carbon Neutral Websites
You may have read on my website about my fantasic carbon neutral websites - but what are they?
In my case, carbon neutral websites are websites for which I offset 130% of the carbon emmisions of the hosting. This means for every 1Kw of power used by my servers (the ones I use to host your website) I pay a wind farm to put 1.3Kw back in to the National Grid meaning that somewhere the power being used to make toast, watch TV or dry somebody's hair is comletely green and funded by yours truly.
Carbon neutral covers the servers, which is nice, but not unique. The way in which I differ from other eco-web-warriors is by offsetting every little bit of carbon I release. I do this by logging the following:
- The power I use on my computers
- The power I use in heating and lighting
- The miles I travel by car
- The miles I travel by train
- The paper I use
After a period of 3 months has past I add up my carbon footprint and offset the power used.
Offsetting is too little too late
Many people think that simply offsetting is not enough. I couldn't agree more. In order to create a sustainable environment for future generations we do not need to simply grow a few trees - we need to reduce our environmental impact. Reducing your energy usage can save you a few quid, and help the environment. Whenever I meet a new client I like to remind them of the following:
- Recycling costs nothing
- Recycled paper is more cost effective than "fresh" paper
- Saving energy saves them money
- The computer needn't stay on all night
- Why post what can be attached to an email?
- Why print what can be read on screen?
If we all do a little bit, we can change the future of the environment.
I hope this makes sense - if not get in touch with me - I love talking about the environment.
Submitted 26th Feb 2010
