Sustainable Digital Design Practices in the Design Process
We present 62 key activities that digital designers should integrate into their process to reduce electricity consumption and carbon footprint. Furthermore, given the rapid development of technology, we propose designers must continuously update their knowledge to effectively achieve this aim.
Theoretical Framework
Four-set Venn diagram showing overlapping relationships between Design, Process, Sustainability and Energy.
Design, including digital design, is a creative process that develops solutions to specific problems while meeting the needs of particular users within a given timeframe. This process should include sustainability efforts wherever possible.
Founder / Creator
The LowImpact.design project originates from the PhD work of Seyed Mohsen Mirmotahari, a researcher and designer studying at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon (ULisboa), Portugal. His doctoral specialization in Communication Design is focused on exploring the critical area of sustainability in the digital design process. Mohsen’s rich academic and professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity and learning. Educated across Iran, India, Malaysia, and Portugal, his academic pathway began in Iran, where he completed a university degree in Graphic Design. Following this, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (VC) from Pune University, India, and then a Master of Design in VC from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. His international experience also includes research at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. As a member of the Iranian Graphic Designers Society (IGDS), which is an organizational member of the International Council of Design (ico-D), Mohsen has been working as a designer for over a decade. He has built a diverse portfolio with extensive experience in digital platforms, publications, and exhibitions.
Mission and Vision
Mission
To help digital designers integrate sustainable practices into every stage of their design process.
Vision
To shape a future where digital design consumes less energy and actively supports cleaner, more sustainable ways of creating and communicating.
Open Access & Preservation
Open access enables the free sharing, reuse, and adaptation of digital knowledge, removing barriers to information and reducing the need to recreate existing materials [1]. In digital archives, preservation focuses on maintaining long-term, reliable access to digital collections, often described as ensuring “sustainable access” [2] and providing ongoing protection for valuable digital materials [3]. Together, open access and preservation strengthen digital sustainability. Open access maximizes the use of digital resources, while preservation ensures their continued availability. This combination reduces duplication, conserves resources, and supports the long-term usability and impact of digital artifacts [4, 5, 6]. Companies may still manage intellectual property through copyrights and patents, balancing openness with control over licensing and pricing [7].
References
- Stürmer, M. (2014). “Characteristics of Digital Sustainability.” In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance, 494–495. Guimaraes, Portugal: ACM. doi:10.1145/2691195.2691269
- Bradley, K. (2007). “Defining Digital Sustainability.” Library Trends 56 (1): 148–163. doi:10.1353/lib.2007.0044.
- Antoniazzi, L. (2021). "Digital Preservation and the Sustainability of Film Heritage." Information, Communication & Society, 24(11), 1658–1673. doi:10.1080/1369118X.2020.1716042
- Atos Group. (2021). “Atos Ecobranding Principles.” https://atos.net/.../atos-ecobranding-report.pdf
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
- Rafael, S., & Mirmotahari, S. M. (2025). “Seeding a Sustainable Mindset to Reduce Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint Through Sustainable Digital Design Principles.” In Perspectives on Design and Digital Communication V, edited by D. Brandão, N. Martins, & E. Duarte, 50:3–19. Springer Series in Design and Innovation. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-76156-0_1
- Stuermer, M., Abu-Tayeh, G., & Myrach, T. (2017). “Digital Sustainability: Basic Conditions for Sustainable Digital Artifacts and Their Ecosystems.” Sustainability Science 12 (2): 247–262. doi:10.1007/s11625-016-0412-2
Managing Digital Obsolescence
In the digital world, digital artifacts exist solely through the software that allows them to be accessed and viewed; their existence is entirely dependent on the proper functioning of this software, which can become outdated as new technologies emerge [1]. It's essential to recognize that with each new generation of software and hardware, some data may be lost when converting digital artifacts between incompatible formats [2]. In line with a sustainability approach, digital documents should be designed to enable seamless migration across different software programs in the future, ensuring they can be recreated and accessed with maximum accuracy, even on unknown future systems. However, not all data can or should be preserved indefinitely [3], as preserving everything perpetually could lead to inefficiencies, increase environmental impact, and complicate data management.
References
- Rothenberg, J. (1999). Avoiding Technological Quicksand: Finding a Viable Technical Foundation for Digital Preservation: A Report to the Council on Library and Information Resources. Washington, DC: Council on Library and Information Resources.
- Lesk, M. (1995). “Preserving Digital Objects: Recurrent Needs and Challenges.” https://www.lesk.com/mlesk/auspres/aus.html
- Bradley, K. (2007). "Defining Digital Sustainability." Library Trends, 56(1), 148–163. doi:10.1353/lib.2007.0044
Over-Transparency
Transparent structures are a form of technical openness that provides access to the core elements of digital artifacts, such as source code, specifications, content, and data formats. This includes publicly available data formats, source code, and information architecture, allowing data scientists and programmers to evaluate and refine digital artifacts, ultimately reducing errors and building greater confidence in the technology [1]. By making digital artifacts easier to understand and update, transparent structures help keep them functional over time, reduce unnecessary redevelopment, and support their long-term sustainability.
Reference
- Stuermer, Matthias, Gabriel Abu-Tayeh, and Thomas Myrach. 2017. “Digital Sustainability: Basic Conditions for Sustainable Digital Artifacts and Their Ecosystems.” Sustainability Science 12 (2): 247–262. doi:10.1007/s11625-016-0412-2.
Modular Design & Independence
Designing sustainable digital goods requires addressing challenges such as vendor lock-in and misinterpretation, which highlights the need to reduce reliance on creators and ensure reliability through transparent, verifiable information architectures [1]. Modular design supports this by dividing products into interchangeable, functional modules, enabling easier customization, maintenance, and upgrades. It also improves sustainability by simplifying disassembly, reuse, and recycling, and by standardizing components to reduce design and production time [2, 3]. Integrating these principles strengthens user independence and technical reliability while advancing sustainable digital practices.
References
- Stürmer, M. (2014). “Characteristics of Digital Sustainability.” In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance, 494–495. Guimaraes Portugal: ACM. doi:10.1145/2691195.2691269
- Li, J., Zhang, H.-C., Gonzalez, M. A., & Yu, S. (2008). "A Multi-Objective Fuzzy Graph Approach for Modular Formulation Considering End-of-Life Issues." International Journal of Production Research, 46(14), 4011–4033. doi:10.1080/00207540601050376
- Smith, S., & Hung, P.-Y. (2015). "A Novel Selective Parallel Disassembly Planning Method for Green Design." Journal of Engineering Design, 26(10–12), 283–301. doi:10.1080/09544828.2015.1045841
Promote Eco-Design Behaviors
Designers should adopt thoughtful approaches to promote eco-friendly behaviors in design, not only for themselves but also for others [1].
Reference
- Koo, C., Chung, N., & Nam, K. (2015). "Assessing the Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators on Smart Green IT Device Use: Reference Group Perspectives." International Journal of Information Management, 35(1), 64–79. doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2014.10.001
Avoid Dark Patterns
Dark patterns are user interface design strategies intentionally crafted to manipulate or deceive users into making decisions that primarily benefit the service provider, often at the expense of the user's best interests. These patterns leverage an understanding of human psychology to mislead users into actions they might not otherwise take [1, 2, 3]. They raise significant ethical issues for designers [2, 4]. These tactics can trick users into decisions they wouldn’t make with full information or better control. At their least harmful, these patterns annoy users; at their worst, they can cause significant harm, including financial loss, the compromise of personal data, or the promotion of compulsive and addictive behaviors [3]. Dark patterns negatively impact digital sustainability by focusing on quick profits rather than long-term user well-being. These tactics break trust and waste resources, creating a less ethical and sustainable digital environment. Avoiding them will help ensure more aligned and sustainable digital design practices.
References
- Brignull, H., Miquel, M., Rosenberg, J., & Offer, J. (2015). “Dark Patterns - User Interfaces Designed to Trick People.” https://www.deceptive.design
- Gray, C. M., Kou, Y., Battles, B., Hoggatt, J., & Toombs, A. L. (2018). "The Dark (Patterns) Side of UX Design." In Proceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1–14. Montreal QC Canada: ACM. doi:10.1145/3173574.3174108
- Mathur, A., Acar, G., Friedman, M. J., Lucherini, E., Mayer, J., Chetty, M., & Narayanan, A. (2019). “Dark Patterns at Scale: Findings from a Crawl of 11K Shopping Websites.” Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 3(CSCW), 1–32. doi:10.1145/3359183
- Maier, M., & Harr, R. (2020). "Dark Design Patterns: An End-User Perspective." Human Technology, 16(2), 170–199. doi:10.17011/ht/urn.202008245641
Use Lightweight & System Fonts
Choosing lightweight, system fonts reduce the amount of data that needs to be loaded and transferred. This directly contributes to sustainability by lowering overall data consumption and energy use [1].
Reference
- Atos Group. (2021). “Atos Ecobranding Principles.” https://atos.net/.../atos-ecobranding-report.pdf
Ensure high contrast for readability
Practice of ensuring that visual elements have sufficient contrast to be easily read by all users. This is achieved by choosing colors that meet the International Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AA standard [1]. Adequate contrast helps users read more quickly and avoids the need to increase screen brightness, which consumes additional power and reduces sustainability.
Reference
- Atos Group. (2021). “Atos Ecobranding Principles.” https://atos.net/.../atos-ecobranding-report.pdf
Minimize Heavy Media
This action suggests using techniques like dithering to reduce the size of media. Reducing heavy media content lowers data consumption and transfer requirements. This directly saves energy and resources associated with digital transmission and storage [1].
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Solar Powered System
Global energy use is increasing, and digital designers have a responsibility to consider the environmental impact of their work. Sustainability should be considered at every step of the design process. Inspired by Low-tech Magazine, this website runs entirely on solar energy and is self-hosted.
This website aims not only to present sustainable digital design practices that designers can incorporate into their workflow to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, but also to apply these practices in its own operation.
The website is hosted on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, thereby avoiding the energy-intensive use of cloud servers. Internet access is provided via a SIM card, giving the system independence. The website automatically goes offline if the battery is depleted and resumes operation once the solar-powered battery recharges.
The system utilizes a 100W, 12V solar panel to charge a 12V, 25Ah LiFePO₄ battery, which powers both the server and the internet router. A MPPT solar charge controller optimizes battery charging and protects the system, enabling fully sustainable and independent operation.
Hardware
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: 1 GHz quad-core 64-bit CPU, 512 MB RAM, Bluetooth BLE, and WiFi.
- Raspberry Pi expansion board: adds Ethernet, USB, and 4G capabilities.
- 2.13-inch e-paper display (250x122, SPI interface): low-energy display ideal for text-based content.
- SanDisk Ultra microSD 32 GB: stores system and website data.
- Aluminum heat sink with thermal pad: keeps the Raspberry Pi cool and efficient.
- USB to RS485/RS232 serial converter: industrial-grade communication module.
- DC-DC buck power supply: converts 6.5-40 V to 5 V for stable operation.
- Moseworth 12 V 25 Ah LiFePO₄ battery: stores solar energy for continuous operation.
- WERCHTAY 12 V 100 W solar panel: powers the system sustainably.
- EPEVER Tracer1210AN MPPT solar charge controller (12 V, 10 A): optimizes battery charging.
Two Display Modes
The website offers two viewing modes to reduce energy use on visitors’ devices.
Green mode uses a two-color scheme (green and black) optimized for OLED screens. Only green pixels light up, while black areas remain off, minimizing energy consumption. Darker greens use less energy, while brighter greens use slightly more. By relying on these tones, this mode significantly reduces energy use compared to standard color displays.
Standard backlight mode is designed for traditional screens with backlighting. Users can reduce their device brightness to save energy while browsing.
Optimized Image Use
Images consume bandwidth and energy. Each image on this site is downloaded once and offered in four styles—wireframe, detailed, black and white, and color—each optimized for size to minimize data transfer and energy use.
System Fonts
The website relies only on system fonts, so visitors’ devices do not need to download additional font files. This reduces both data transfer and carbon footprint.
Lightweight Design
Pages are kept lightweight and primarily text based, making the site faster to load and more energy efficient.
Minimize Tracking/Ads
This practice advises using lightweight tracking solutions, reducing scripts and ads, decreasing the processing load, and the amount of data transferred. This minimizes resource waste and contributes to a lighter, more sustainable digital environment [1].
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Disable Auto-Play
Disabling auto-play prevents the automatic loading of resource-intensive content, saving bandwidth and energy. This makes the design more sustainable for users by minimizing unnecessary resource use [1].
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Use Dark Mode/Eco-Palettes
In OLED screen dark mode utilizes energy-saving palettes, with the example that the color green on OLED screens uses 24% less energy [1], and the black color uses almost zero power. However, in a backlight screen (e.g., most MacBook screens), reducing screen brightness lowers the energy required to power the display, thereby decreasing electricity consumption and extending device battery life. By minimizing power use, this simple adjustment reduces the environmental impact of digital devices and supports overall digital sustainability [2, 3].
References
- Vroegindeweij, S., Eardley, R., Ranganathan, P., & Geelhoed, E. (2023). “Design Principals for Energy-Aware UserInterfaces on OLED-Based Handhelds.”
- Chugh, R., Wibowo, S., & Grandhi, S. (2016). "Environmentally Sustainable Information and Communication Technology Usage: Awareness and Practices of Indian Information and Communication Technology Professionals." Journal of Cleaner Production, 131(September), 435–446. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.05.004
- Chow, W., Chen, Y. (2009). Intended belief and actual behaviour in green computing in Hong Kong. J. Comput. Inf. Syst. 50, 136–141.
Choose Green Eco-Web Hosts
Green eco-web hosting means choosing a service that saves energy and protects the environment by using efficient servers, renewable energy, and eco-friendly data centers [1].
Reference
- Murugesan, S. (2008). “Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices.” IT Professional, 10(1), 24–33. doi:10.1109/MITP.2008.10
Share Links, Not Uploads
Instead of uploading a video that already exists online, provide a link to it on your website [1], reducing storage and energy use and contributing to digital sustainability.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Avoid Unnecessary Features
In the coding process, following green coding practices includes avoiding unnecessary features so software stays lightweight and efficient; for example, choosing to build a Progressive Web App instead of a heavy native application reduces storage, processing, and update requirements [1]. This streamlined approach lowers energy use on both user devices and servers, making the overall digital product more sustainable.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Block Bot Traffic
It is a crucial practice within Green Coding to use measures like CAPTCHA and traffic monitoring to prevent automated programs (bots) from consuming resources unnecessarily on digital platforms. This helps support digital sustainability by reducing the excessive bandwidth and computing power that bots would otherwise waste.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Write Efficient, Modular Code
This is a Green Coding practice that improves maintenance, as efficient code reduces processing load and energy consumption during operation, while modularity enhances the longevity and manageability of the software [1].
Reference
- Ardito, L., Procaccianti, G., Torchiano, M., & Vetrò, A. (2015). "Understanding Green Software Development: A Conceptual Framework." IT Professional, 17(1), 44–50. doi:10.1109/MITP.2015.16
Maintain Clear Storage
This prevents unnecessary data accumulation and makes storage management more efficient. Teams should also be educated on proper data organization. This supports sustainability by keeping data storage lean and reducing the resources wasted on disorganization [1].
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Remove Unused/Duplicate Files
This Eco-Friendly Behavior advises keeping storage lean, including in the cloud [1]. It directly reduces the energy and resources required for storing and processing data, providing an efficient way to manage storage.
Reference
- Bose, R., & Luo, X. (2011). "Integrative Framework for Assessing Firms’ Potential to Undertake Green IT Initiatives via Virtualization – A Theoretical Perspective." The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 20(1), 38–54. doi:10.1016/j.jsis.2011.01.003
Use Eco-Cloud Storage
This behavior recommends using data storage services powered by renewable energy, which lowers the carbon footprint and shifts the environmental impact of data storage toward cleaner energy sources [1].
Reference
- Belkhir, L., & Elmeligi, A. (2018). "Assessing ICT Global Emissions Footprint: Trends to 2040 & Recommendations." Journal of Cleaner Production, 177(March), 448–463. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.239
Use External Hard Drives
This behavior suggests avoiding reliance solely on online storage [1]. Storing data locally (e.g., external hard drives) helps reduce the use of data centers, which supports sustainability by lowering energy consumption.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Bookmark Frequent Pages
This behavior is valued for its convenience, avoiding repeated searches saves server energy and reduces the data transfer required for search queries, making it a simple habit that conserves resources [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Increase Cache Memory
This action saves visited sites locally, reducing the need to re-download content during subsequent visits [1]. This lowers energy use from data transfer and makes browsing more efficient.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Use History, Not Search
It helps users find previously visited websites [1]. Using browser history avoids energy-heavy searches, directly reducing the digital carbon footprint.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Use URL Bar/Bookmarks
This suggests skipping keyword searches if the URL is known [1]. It directly avoids unnecessary, resource-consuming search engine queries, making it a simple and effective habit that supports sustainability.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Use Sustainable Search engine
Using sustainable search engines, such as Ecosia (which plants trees) and Blackle (with a black background) [1], supports eco-friendly digital choices. These search engines help users reduce their environmental impact with every search.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Avoid Unnecessary Chats
It minimizes data transmission and the server activity associated with continuous, non-essential interactions. This behavior helps lower the digital footprint [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Call/SMS, Instead Online Msg
This is an efficient alternative [1]. In some cases, traditional communication methods can use fewer resources than continuous online messaging. It emphasizes choosing the most sustainable communication method for the context.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Delete Unused Accounts
Deleting unused accounts minimizes resource waste by reducing the data load and maintenance requirements on servers from dormant accounts [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Limit Media Uploads/Sharing
Limiting media sharing saves storage space and energy [1]. Media transfer and storage are resource-intensive, so reducing their frequency and size conserves significant energy and data resources.
Reference
- Cook, G. (2017). Clicking clean: Who is winning the race to build a green internet. Greenpeace Inc.
Use Clean Energy Platforms
It suggests using sustainable alternatives, shifting digital activity toward platforms that rely on greener and more sustainable infrastructure [1]. This reduces the carbon footprint of online interactions.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Avoid Self-Emailing Files
Avoid sending self-emailing files; if necessary, use alternatives like cloud storage or WeTransfer [1]. This prevents duplicate files and unnecessary mailbox traffic, thereby saving storage space. The practice efficiently manages storage.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Avoid Logo/Large Image in Email Signatures
This is advised because it reduces email size [1]. Smaller emails require less energy for storage and transfer on both sender and recipient servers.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Clean Up Inbox & Unsubscribing
It involves unsubscribing from unwanted services and deleting old messages [1], reducing the total amount of data stored and backed up on servers.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Omit Email History
It stops old content from being copied into new emails, making messages smaller and more efficient [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Minimize CCs & Attachments
It suggests minimizing CCs and sharing cloud links instead of sending large files. Sharing links avoids multiple large file transfers, reducing data transfer and storage needs [1].
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Reduce Email Size
It suggests compressing files before attaching them [1]. This reduces the energy needed to send and store the message, and smaller file sizes help lower the overall digital footprint.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Remove Unused Mailboxes
Removing unused mailboxes reduces idle data storage and the system maintenance required for unused accounts [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Send Only Essential Emails
This advises minimizing unnecessary communication [1]. It reduces overall digital traffic, along with the associated server load and energy consumption.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Use Anti-Spam Filters
It is recommended to block unwanted emails [1]. This reduces wasted processing, storage, and data transfer, conserving system resources and energy.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Use Eco-Email Services
Utilize eco-friendly email services that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint through data centers and operations (e.g., Tutanota). This aligns users’ choices with broader sustainability goals [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Use Plain-Text Emails
It suggests avoiding HTML emails [1]. For example, instead of sending a newsletter with images and buttons, send a plain text email. Simplifying the email format reduces file size and rendering complexity, resulting in lower resource usage for storage and transmission.
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Invite Only Necessary Participants
Avoid over-inviting participants to video calls [1]. Reducing the number of connections lowers the bandwidth and processing load required, making the call more energy efficient.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Reduce Unnecessary Calls
Check if a meeting is really needed before scheduling [1]. Skipping unnecessary video calls saves the energy they use and helps conserve resources.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Turn Off Camera
Use the camera only when needed, such as during listener-only webinars [1], where only the speaker or presenter should have their camera on. This reduces bandwidth and energy use, making it a simple and effective eco-friendly habit.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Use Quick Huddles
Encourage short meetings to save time and resources [1]. Keeping necessary communication brief helps optimize resource use and reduces energy consumption.
Reference
- Design Group Italia. (2022). Sustainable Digital Design: Small Actions to Design in a Conscious Way. Figma prototype
Use Eco Video Call Providers
Using providers committed to cleaner energy for their data centers shifts the environmental impact of calls to greener infrastructure. An example of such a provider is Google Meet [1].
Reference
- “Enter Digital Declutter.” (2025). Accessed January 16. https://www.wholegraindigital.com/digitaldeclutter/
Avoid Leaving Media Running
This behavior saves resources by preventing continuous, unnecessary data streaming and device energy use. It is a fundamental habit for conserving digital resources [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Avoid HD Streaming
This suggests using standard or low-quality streaming, as high-definition streaming consumes significantly more data and energy. Choosing lower quality reduces the overall digital footprint [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Download Media for Reuse
This reduces streaming by transferring data once instead of multiple times for each use. This approach is highly efficient for frequently accessed media and helps conserve energy [1].
Reference
- Elgaaied-Gambier, L., Bertrandias, L., & Bernard, Y. (2020). "Cutting the Internet’s Environmental Footprint: An Analysis of Consumers’ Self-Attribution of Responsibility." Journal of Interactive Marketing, 50(1), 120–135. doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2020.02.001
Minimizing AI tools
Artificial intelligence (AI) requires server processing, which consumes energy. To reduce this, unnecessary AI use should be minimized, and its efficiency optimized.
Disable Auto-Updates
This software practice helps prevent the waste of resources and energy, users can control when updates occur, ensuring they are performed only when necessary [1]. This reduces unnecessary resource use and promotes mindful consumption.
Reference
- Ardito, L., Procaccianti, G., Torchiano, M., & Vetrò, A. (2015). "Understanding Green Software Development: A Conceptual Framework." IT Professional, 17(1), 44–50. doi:10.1109/MITP.2015.16
Enable Low-Energy Settings
This setting saves energy and data [1], reducing a device’s power and data use and helping conserve energy during operation.
Reference
- Ardito, L., Procaccianti, G., Torchiano, M., & Vetrò, A. (2015). "Understanding Green Software Development: A Conceptual Framework." IT Professional, 17(1), 44–50. doi:10.1109/MITP.2015.16
Use Eco-Software/Apps
Choosing software optimized for low power consumption directly reduces the energy footprint of digital work, supporting the goal of minimizing environmental impact [1].
Reference
- Ardito, L., Procaccianti, G., Torchiano, M., & Vetrò, A. (2015). "Understanding Green Software Development: A Conceptual Framework." IT Professional, 17(1), 44–50. doi:10.1109/MITP.2015.16
Use Offline Design Tools
This practice suggests using online creation software, including AI tools, only when necessary [1]. This reduces energy use and reliance on network resources, particularly for tools that consume a significant amount of power.
Reference
- Konys, A. (2020). "How to Support Digital Sustainability Assessment? An Attempt to Knowledge Systematization." Procedia Computer Science, 176, 2297–2311. doi:10.1016/j.procs.2020.09.288
Choose Durable, Eco-Devices
This hardware choice encourages evaluating green alternatives for tools. It reduces the need for frequent replacements, lowers e-waste, and minimizes energy use during operation, supporting a longer product lifespan [1].
Reference
- Koo, C., Chung, N., & Nam, K. (2015). "Assessing the Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators on Smart Green IT Device Use: Reference Group Perspectives." International Journal of Information Management, 35(1), 64–79. doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2014.10.001
Evaluate Energy & Lifespan
This practice highlights evaluating the energy use and lifespan of hardware when making choices. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) guides eco-friendly technology selection, promoting sustainability.
Reference
- Belkhir, L., & Elmeligi, A. (2018). "Assessing ICT Global Emissions Footprint: Trends to 2040 & Recommendations." Journal of Cleaner Production, 177(March), 448–463. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.239
Revive/Reuse Old Hardware
Old hardware can be revived by refurbishing components. This helps avoid buying new materials, extends the lifespan of existing resources,[1].
Reference
- Belkhir, L., & Elmeligi, A. (2018). "Assessing ICT Global Emissions Footprint: Trends to 2040 & Recommendations." Journal of Cleaner Production, 177(March), 448–463. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.239
Promote Eco-Products
Not only should eco-friendly products be used in the project, but their use should also be promoted to clients [1].
Reference
- Koo, C., Chung, N., & Nam, K. (2015). "Assessing the Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators on Smart Green IT Device Use: Reference Group Perspectives." International Journal of Information Management, 35(1), 64–79. doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2014.10.001
Recycle Responsibly
This applies when hardware cannot be refurbished. It ensures that end-of-life products are managed to minimize environmental harm, making it a critical step in electronic waste management [1].
Reference
- Belkhir, L., & Elmeligi, A. (2018). "Assessing ICT Global Emissions Footprint: Trends to 2040 & Recommendations." Journal of Cleaner Production, 177(March), 448–463. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.239
Turn Off Devices When Not in Use
This action applies to devices like monitors and printers. It directly reduces energy waste from idle devices, providing a simple and effective way to conserve power [1].
Reference
- Chugh, R., Wibowo, S., & Grandhi, S. (2016). "Environmentally Sustainable Information and Communication Technology Usage: Awareness and Practices of Indian Information and Communication Technology Professionals." Journal of Cleaner Production, 131(September), 435–446. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.05.004
Use Second-Hand Hardware When Possible
This hardware practice encourages reusing or reselling unused items to reduce waste [1]. It lowers the resource consumption associated with manufacturing new devices and supports the principles of the circular economy.
Reference
- Murugesan, S. (2008). “Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices.” IT Professional, 10(1), 24–33. doi:10.1109/MITP.2008.10
Website Performance & SEO Metrics
To evaluate the technical performance and search engine optimization (SEO) of lowimpactdesign.me, we used Google PageSpeed Insights. The results are summarized in the table below:
| Metric | Score/Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 100 | Excellent; FCP: 0.2 s, LCP: 0.2 s |
| Accessibility | 73 | Minor issues: missing lang attribute, no <main> landmark |
| Best Practices | 88 | Recommendations: add doctype, declare charset early |
| SEO | 73 | Missing meta description, temporary HTTP 503, robots.txt minor error |
These results indicate that the website is extremely fast and efficient, consistent with low-impact design principles. However, there are minor accessibility and SEO issues that could be addressed to improve usability and search engine discoverability.
Specifically, adding a language declaration, defining a main landmark element, providing a meta description, and ensuring the server returns a correct HTTP status code would enhance both accessibility and SEO performance.
Overall, the website demonstrates a strong technical foundation while still offering room for optimization.
Reference
- Google. (2026). PageSpeed Insights. Retrieved from https://pagespeed.web.dev/