Why do we need a seal of approval for climate-conscious websites?

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"Far too few people are aware of the huge impact that digital products such as websites have on the climate" - that was one of our findings when four of us sat together a few years ago and pondered the ecological footprint of websites. It was clear to us that the topic needed more attention.

Since I have been involved in the development and implementation of certificates and seals of quality several times in the past, the idea of ​​taking a similar approach to this topic was obvious. Because a certificate or seal of quality combines a number of advantages in order to advance a topic, in this case climate-conscious websites. In other words, websites that create as little impact on our environment as possible during operation.

Let's look together at why certificates and seals are not only useful but also beneficial for website operators as well as for users. Here we would like to deal with the fundamental question of website seals - not compare specific seals.

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Reason No. 1 Independent audits instead of self-praise
If a website only receives a seal if it has been independently and neutrally checked on a variety of points, it is highly meaningful. This provides an external guarantee that a website has demonstrably taken measures for the climate. In the case of reputable seals of approval, this should also go well beyond pure CO₂ compensation, but more on that later.

The audit by an external body ensures that the evaluation of the website is objective gambling data korea and based on defined criteria. This means that users can also see transparently what exactly is being fulfilled.

If the award-winning website does not receive the seal once and then is allowed to carry it permanently, but is subject to ongoing control audits by the seal awarding body, such a certification can guarantee users that the website remains climate-conscious throughout.

Reason No. 2 Building trust through recognition
It is clear that if there are 50 different labels, badges and seals that all claim to say roughly the same thing, they are more likely to cause confusion or be ignored altogether. However, if a seal of approval awarded by a recognized institution becomes better known to the public, this creates recognition. Users can then trust certified websites because the seal becomes a symbol that stands for ecologically responsible action.

Through the repeated visibility of a few reputable seals on various websites, such a seal becomes an easily understandable symbol of digital sustainability. Website operators and companies benefit from the fact that potential customers notice these certificates and may prefer sustainable providers.

Reason No. 3 Raising awareness of the environmental impact of websites
In addition to its purely functional role as a seal of quality that guarantees compliance with certain criteria, it also helps to raise awareness. By placing the seal visibly, website operators also draw the attention of their visitors to important topics such as energy efficiency, CO₂ emissions and the Internet's resource consumption. This means that more and more people can become aware of the fact that digital offerings also leave an ecological footprint. The seal and the associated explanations create awareness and, in the best case, encourage active shaping of a sustainable digital world.