Why sustainable development is going to be very important in 2025

The importance of sustainable web development

The environmental cost of digital technology

The internet’s infrastructure (websites, servers, and data centers) consumes a lot of energy, accounting for about 4% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Already on par with industries like aviation, this figure is expected to rise as new technologies, like AI, blockchain and IoT continue to expand. Sustainable web development aims to tackle this problem by focusing on reducing energy consumption and optimizing web resources to reduce their environmental footprint.

Aligning with regulations and consumer demands

Sustainability is not only a concern within the tech industry. Consumers around the globe are choosing to support businesses that make sustainability a priority. At the same time, regulations like the European Accessibility Act and sustainability initiatives like the Paris Agreement are putting pressure on companies to adopt more eco-friendly and inclusive digital practices.

By embracing sustainability and environmentally friendly web design, businesses can not only meet these regulations but also align with modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and stand out to eco-friendly users.

Performance and cost benefits

Sustainable design goes beyond just caring for the environment; it’s also about being efficient. When websites are lightweight and have optimized code, they load quicker, which means a smoother experience for users and less pressure on servers. This not only cuts down on energy costs but also boosts SEO rankings. It’s a win-win situation: users get a smooth digital experience, and businesses can save on hosting and operational expenses.

What are sustainable web practices?

Building a sustainable web presence involves actionable strategies that combine design, technology, and a user-first approach. Here are some sustainable web design trends for 2025:

1. Optimize performance

• Minimize unnecessary scripts as lightweight and efficient coding helps reduce server load and energy consumption.

• Make use of image compression to reduce file sizes without losing on quality. This significantly improves loading times while reducing data transfer.

• With lazy loading, content loads as users scroll, which helps save bandwidth.

2. Use green hosting

Choose hosting providers that use renewable energy sources. Green hosting solutions help reduce emissions and ensure your site meets sustainable development goals.

3. Think mobile-first

A mobile-first approach is key to durable web design. By prioritizing mobile devices, developers can focus on simplicity, speed, and efficiency:

• Smaller resources: Mobile-first websites are crafted for smaller screens, which means they rely on lighter images and scripts, saving on resources.

• Reduced energy use: Mobile devices generally use less power than desktops, so a streamlined design helps lower energy consumption across the board.

• Global reach: As mobile internet usage surpasses desktop, especially in emerging markets, mobile-first design fosters inclusivity and supports energy-efficient browsing habits.

4. Design with longevity and scalability in mind

Use responsive design and make sure everything works well on different devices to avoid having to redo things later. And, build a solid foundation (like a Minimum Scalable Product) that can adapt over time, keeping technical issues and regular rebuilds to a minimum.

5. Prioritize accessibility and minimalism

Web accessibility and sustainability go hand in hand. By considering the needs of various users in your designs, you can minimize digital exclusion and use resources more efficiently.

Similarly, a minimalist or streamlined user interface that focuses on essential features reduces resource usage. Using a darker color palette and keeping third-party widgets or plugins to a minimum help to do the same.

Toward a greener digital future

In short, sustainability in web development in 2025 will not only be about minimizing carbon footprints, but about creating a digital landscape that’s inclusive, efficient, and responsible. Companies that prioritize sustainable web practices not only future-proof their digital presence but also play a significant role in achieving global environmental goals.

At Miyagami, we believe the web should work for everyone, today and tomorrow. That’s why we build scalable and innovative digital solutions that reflect the best of what the web can offer. Are you interested? Contact us and let’s start working together to craft a greener, more accessible digital future.