In recent years, the environmental impact of websites has become a hot topic. The carbon footprint of the internet, encompassing data centers, telecom networks, and user devices, is comparable to the energy consumption of an entire country. As web professionals, we have a responsibility to make more energy efficient website. This not only helps the environment but also improves overall website performance and user experience.
In our previous blog, we delved into 5 effective strategies for designers to craft energy-efficient websites and content. Now, let’s dive into a comprehensive guide featuring 15 simple steps that web developers can implement to create websites that are not only environmentally friendly but also elevate SEO performance and enhance overall user satisfaction.
Table of Contents
Development
The energy efficiency of the websites developers create and manage is highly influenced by their decisions. While designers and content creators may make some choices beyond developer’s control, there are numerous areas where developers have full control and the capacity to optimize the content and designs they work with.
- Write Clean Code
Ensuring code cleanliness is paramount for developers. This involves maintaining organized, streamlined code, eliminating duplication and optimizing queries. The choice of refined frameworks and libraries further aids in reducing server load and enhancing overall efficiency. - JavaScript Efficiency
Developers must prioritize efficient JavaScript usage, considering its impact on file weight and CPU usage. Whenever possible, opting for more efficient technologies like CSS helps maintain a balance between functionality and resource conservation. - Optimize Images (Technical)
Technical strategies play a crucial role in minimizing image file sizes. This includes loading images at the correct scale and utilizing compression tools to ensure a seamless user experience without compromising on energy efficiency. - Optimize Fonts (Technical)
Employing modern web font formats, subsetting fonts, and adopting efficient strategies significantly contribute to reducing font file sizes. This approach ensures that visual appeal is maintained without compromising website performance. - Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)
The implementation of AMP technology is particularly beneficial for mobile users. It streamlines web pages into a minimalist, energy-efficient version, improving both load times and overall user experience. - Static Web Pages
Considering the construction of static web pages in HTML, CSS and JS is a strategic move to diminish server processing and subsequently reduce energy consumption. This approach is especially effective in scenarios where dynamic content isn’t a necessity. - Progressive Web App (PWA) Technology
Leveraging PWA technology allows developers to cache files on user’s devices, minimizing data transfer and enhancing load times. This not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to improved load times and a more seamless user experience.
Web Hosting
- Server Caching
Utilizing caching technologies like Varnish is instrumental in pre-generating static versions of pages. This significantly diminishes server energy consumption, leading to improved load times and a more efficient web presence. - Choose High PUE Rated Hosts
Opting for hosts with high Power Usage Efficiency (PUE) ratings is a proactive step toward greater energy efficiency in data centers. This ensures that a larger proportion of energy is directed towards computational activities, minimizing waste. - Select Local Data Centers
The strategic selection of a data center close to the target audience is pivotal in reducing energy consumption during data transmission. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to quicker page load times. - Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
Employing CDNs to serve assets from locations closer to users significantly improves energy efficiency and page load times. This distributed approach minimizes data transfer distances, enhancing overall website performance. - Bot Blocking
Considering the blocking of bots is a practical approach to reducing processing and bandwidth usage. This can result in substantial savings, contributing to a more energy-efficient web ecosystem. - Embrace Dark Mode
The implementation of dark mode is a creative solution to reduce energy consumption, especially effective with OLED screens. This user-friendly feature not only conserves energy but also caters to varying user preferences. - Update PHP Version
Ensuring servers use the latest PHP versions is crucial for improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Staying updated with technology advancements directly impacts the overall performance of web applications. - Don’t Forget the Energy Source
Acknowledging the energy source of the web host is pivotal. Aiming for low carbon emissions or renewable energy aligns with the goal of further reducing a website’s environmental impact and works towards Digital Sustainability.
Dive deep into how the energy efficient websites helps in sustainable digital future.
Conclusion
Creating energy-efficient websites is a collective responsibility. Developers with strategic choices can significantly contribute to sustainable designing. By implementing these practices in design, development and hosting, we pave the way for a sustainable and efficient web future.
FAQs
Clean code ensures efficient server performance by reducing duplication and optimizing queries. It lowers energy consumption, improving overall website efficiency and user experience.
Opting for a high PUE rated host enhances energy efficiency, directing more power to computational activities, minimizing waste, and reducing the website’s environmental impact.
Dark mode conserves energy, especially on OLED screens, caters to user preferences, and contributes to a more eco-friendly and user-friendly website experience.
Dark mode is particularly effective with OLED screens, as it reduces energy consumption by lighting up individual pixels instead of a constant backlight.
The energy source of the web host is vital for digital sustainability, influencing a website’s environmental impact. Choosing low carbon emissions or renewable energy supports a more eco-friendly digital ecosystem.
