The urgency of tackling climate change has never been clearer. According to the most recent IPCC report, global carbon emissions are still rising, putting us perilously close to exceeding 1.5°C global temperature increase. At COP29, world leaders continue to reiterate that without drastic reductions, we risk severe and irreversible impacts on biodiversity, food security, and human livelihoods. Yet, despite these warnings, the global community is far from where it needs to be, and the impact on our children and future generations may be catastrophic
As business leaders, we hold immense power and responsibility to shape a better future. Every decision we make has consequences for people, communities, and our planet. But sometimes, the most impactful changes are the ones we overlook.
The Hidden Carbon Footprint of Digital Operations
Digital activities, like websites, emails, and social media, may feel intangible, but they come with a tangible carbon cost. In the UK alone:
- Websites: The average webpage produces 1.76g of CO₂ per page view, and poorly optimised websites can emit significantly more.
- Emails: Sending a typical marketing email with an attachment emits 50g of CO₂, equivalent to boiling water for a cup of tea three times, or driving a car 1km.
- Social Media: Scrolling for one hour generates 1.5kg of CO₂ annually per user.
- AI Services: Training large AI models can emit the same CO₂ as flying across the Atlantic. The use of AI has led to increased carbon emissions by tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Google. For example, Google’s emissions were almost 50% higher in 2023 than in 2019.
These numbers remind us that every click, post, and send contributes to a larger environmental footprint. And while reducing emissions might seem daunting, even small steps can make an incredible difference.
Leading by Example: Our Website Transformation
That’s why I’m thrilled to share a significant milestone for us: we’ve radically reduced the carbon emissions from our website and email communications.
We partnered with erjjio, a certified B Corp, to develop a new website that aligns with our values and ambitions. The process was seamless, inspiring, and yes—fun! Together, we created a platform that not only looks fantastic but delivers a meaningful impact.
Our old website had a carbon rating of D, emitting significantly more CO₂ than necessary. Now, with our redesigned site, we’ve achieved an A+ rating and reduced emissions by a staggering 86%! This change not only aligns with our mission but also ensures that every visitor to our site contributes to a lower carbon footprint.
How You Can Start Small and Think Big
Making changes like these doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Start by auditing your website or digital communications. A great tool to begin with is Website Carbon, a free resource to check your website’s rating. You can also ask the team at erjjio for a free Website Health Check if you’d like to get a more detailed assessment of your opportunities to reduce emissions. Small steps, like reducing image sizes or switching to a greener hosting provider, can yield significant results.
The Ripple Effect
When we each take responsibility for our footprint, we create ripples that extend far beyond our own businesses. Imagine if every organisation committed to reducing the emissions from their digital presence. The collective impact would be transformative.
As leaders, let’s continue asking:
- What small changes can we make today?
- How can we inspire others to follow suit?
- Are we making the right decisions for future generations?
A Huge Thank You
I’d like to thank the incredible team at erjjio for their enthusiasm, kindness, creativity, and expertise. If you’re curious about our journey or considering your own website redesign, I’d be happy to share more insights. Let’s keep the ripples going.
Check out your own website rating today: www.websitecarbon.com
Together, small changes lead to extraordinary outcomes.