Green Web Hosting

Green Web Hosting has become a hot topic. Ever since the world learned how much

electricity the biggest companies use at their data centers, the industry has raced to

balance carbon footprints against service guarantees. Green web hosting can be achieved a

variety of ways, but three techniques in particular combine to reduce energy efficiency

the most:

1. Green web hosts buy hardware that runs coolest, and draws low power when idle.
2. Data centers that dissipate heat will reduce the huge costs of keeping servers cool.
3. Efficient use of servers prevents energy waste in green web hosting operations.

All three of these steps take a real commitment. Any website can claim green web hosting

standards, but if the company has really put effort into energy efficiency, they’ll

probably brag about it. At length. Look for pride, competence, and statistics before

you believe a claim.

Why buy green web hosting? For starters, if you run a business that’s primarily

web-based, or have any interest in Earth-friendly advertising, it’s a good PR point.

Showing you’ve done the research and chosen a green web host because you really care, will

strike a chord with certain target markets.

But there’s another reason to shop for a web host with solid energy-saving plans. Energy

consumption doesn’t just drain the Earth, it also drains a hosting company’s coffers. A

green web hosting company puts hard work into saving money in the long term. That kind of

forethought is a sign the company, their prices, and their services will be stable.

What to expect: As with all niche buzzwords in any market, becoming a green web

hosting provider does not give a company the right to special terms of service. Some

companies will hype how green they are, as part of some bohemian image. Those companies

use ”green web hosting” as an excuse to sell you a ”boutique” experience at a higher

price, or with mediocre services. Don’t fall for that.

Be wary of empty buzzwords! A professional must compete no matter what. Most

customers know better than to pay very much extra, or to suffer lower quality, just for a

drop in the virtue bucket.

Also, be wary of companies that say only ”some” of their hosting is green; and

especially those that charge different prices for green vs ”normal” web hosting. After

energy saving efforts bring good results, the next logical step is to convert all servers

to greener setups, if only to recoup the R&D costs that brought the green web hosting

provider status.

Costs: An increase of 5-15% for green web hosting, over the non-green competition,

is acceptable. Just ensure all services, features, and guarantees are competitive. Also,

look for companies that reward loyalty, such as a trend of lowering prices. The extra

work required to be energy-efficient does have to be paid for. Plus, a modest increase

over the competition helps green web hosting firms stay ahead of the times.