Green Hosting Smells Funny (7-Aug-07)
From Lauraibm
MI Summary
A green web host is one that claims that they are doing good things for the environment. The concept of carbon credits has been criticised by some, it can be argued that a real green host is not one that purchases carbon credits but one that actually makes real changes to the way they do business e.g. using more energy efficient servers.
It is important that people are aware that many companies use environmental responsibility more as sales jargon than as actual practice.
Text of Article
One of the newest buzzes I keep hearing about in web hosting circles lately is “green hosting”. No, that is not what happens when you leave your hosting out in the sun too long.
A green web host is one that claims they are doing good things for the environment - or something to that effect.
What are Carbon Credits?
The way I understand it these are credits that companies can buy so they can say they are “green”. That would be the simple way of doing things. This way instead of having to make any real changes - they just buy a few of these, equal to how much pollution they put out - and they can say they a “environmentally friendly” company. To me, the logic behind that sounds a little screwy.
Who Are Real Green Hosts?
The whole buying credits so you don’t have to do anything sounds a little wrong to me. So what would make a real green host in my opinion? I would say a web host that makes real changes to the way they do business. They could turn off their monitors after an hour of not being used. They could use more energy efficient servers. There are a lot of ways you can save energy and cause less pollution.
There are even a few web hosts out there that say they run off wind, water or solar energy. I won’t name any names because I have yet to see some real proof of it, but that is another idea out there as well.
So when it is all said and done, I think you need to ask for proof and examples if your really considering going with a “greener” hosting option. There is nothing wrong with helping the environment, but there are a lot of companies using it as more sales jargon than an actual practice.
- Source: WebHostingShow
