In a world increasingly moving online, the environmental impact of our digital footprint has become a significant concern.
Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable practices within the digital industry, I had the privilege of speaking with Tom Greenwood, co-founder of Wholegrain Digital, a trailblazer in eco-friendly web design. Greenwood also publishes the Oxymoronsubstack and in 2021 published the book Sustainable Web Design.
Wholegrain Digital is a certified B Corporation located in the UK, and is at the forefront of combining business, design, and technology to forge an internet that benefits both people and the planet.
Greenwood's insights shed light on the imperative of sustainable web design and the role businesses can play in this vital transition. As I discuss in my forthcoming book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost, while we cannot rely solely on technology to solve our environmental problems, technology often play important roles in innovative business solutions.
Here are some key points from my article on Wholegrain Digital:
Sustainability at the Core: Greenwood emphasizes, "Sustainable web design is an approach to designing web services that prioritizes the health of our home planet." This philosophy underscores the necessity of integrating environmental protection into the heart of business decisions, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
The Sustainable Web Manifesto: In his book, Sustainable Web Design, Greenwood articulates six principles should guide digital decisions: clean, efficient, open, honest, regenerative, and resilient. He states, "These principles guide us in creating web services that minimize carbon emissions and energy consumption."
Hardware and Sustainability: On the topic of sustainable IT practices, Greenwood advises, "Choose equipment from manufacturers with a strong environmental policy and try to source refurbished machines where possible." This approach significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with new electronic devices.
Software Solutions: Greenwood points out the importance of selecting software suppliers committed to energy efficiency and renewable energy. He mentions, "Look for suppliers that talk about energy efficiency and have a commitment to using renewable energy."
Inclusive Web Design: Highlighting the intersection of sustainability and inclusivity, Greenwood shares, "Our mission is to create a web that is good for both people and planet." Efficient and well-organized code not only benefits the planet but also enhances web accessibility for all users.
Vision for a Sustainable Digital Future: Greenwood expresses hope for the IT sector's evolution towards sustainability, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration in reducing digital emissions. "I hope to see sustainability become a normal conversation among web designers and developers," he remarks.
Client Engagement and Renewable Energy: Greenwood proudly notes, "Over the past few years, we have been encouraging our clients to move their websites to data centers with a renewable energy commitment." This initiative exemplifies Wholegrain Digital's commitment to leading by example in the digital sustainability space.
Greenwood and Wholegrain Digital's pioneering work in sustainable web design serves as a beacon for business leaders across sectors. By embracing the principles of sustainable web design, companies can contribute significantly to the well-being of our planet while also setting new standards for innovation and responsibility in the digital age. Wholegrain Digital's journey underscores the importance of vision, commitment, and action in driving the transformative change needed for a more sustainable future.