Sustainability in software design

Embracing sustainability in software development

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the demand for innovative software development is ever-increasing. However, as we strive to create cutting-edge websites and app, we must also consider the environmental impact of our endeavors. Sustainability in software design is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental responsibility for companies like Haywyre that are committed to shaping a better, greener future. 

The impact of sustainability in software design

In recent years, sustainability and greener living have become increasingly relevant topics of discussion. However, the focus has often been primarily on the impact of usage on our environment. For instance, when discussing greener cars, people tend to talk about how much better they are to run, without considering their environmental impact during production. A similar oversight occurs in software development. While we are constantly reminded to turn off physical hardware to save electricity, we often neglect to address the energy used in the creation and upkeep of software.

As The Green Software Foundation put it, ‘digital does not equal green’. Every digital transaction needs energy, physical infrastructure, and a device to run. Software directly contributes to CO2 emissions shaping atmospheric changes and extreme weather events related to global warming. The cloud alone has a larger carbon footprint than the airline industry, increasing by 9% YOY. Beyond CO2 emissions, software has a range of environmental impacts, from water used for manufacturing or server cooling to land use for data centers.

This is where sustainable design in software development comes into play. Its core objective is to minimise the environmental impact of the website or app while maximising efficency. Creating software has a carbon footprint, and it is the responsibility of companies like Haywyre to look at ways to significantly reduce this impact. It involves creating websites and apps which are energy efficient, resource conscious and environmentally friendly.

Sustainability in software design at Haywyre

There are several steps which Haywyre take to ensure that our software solutions do not come at the cost of our planet’s future.

• Firstly, an obvious one. Running software is energy intensive, and how we source that has a major impact on our environment. Renewable energy sources are vital for creating a sustainable digital future. The servers at Haywyre are, weather permitting, run off solar energy. This is just part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable digitial infrastructure. 
• Then comes some that are prehaps a little less well-known. The more efficient your code, the less energy is required to run it. The parts that aren’t performing so well are likely to be consuming excess resources. The stringent coding practices here at Haywyre ensure that all the code in contributing, minimising resource consumption. Plus, bonus points! Efficient code usually means faster running times, better SEO scoring and better security. 
• In a world captivated by visuals, websites are often laden with images and videos. However, this visual appeal can come at an energy cost. Haywyre makes sure all images and videos are optimised; reducing energy useage while not comprosmising on visual quality. 
• A long-term vision is essential. Frequent updates and fixes not only drain energy but also contribute to e-waste. Haywyre’s commitment lies in crafting innovative websites designed to endure. Sustainable design means building applications that are scalable, easily maintainable, and adaptable to changing needs. By creating digital solutions that stand the test of time, we’re minimising the need for excessive updates and fostering a more sustainable digital presence.

And if you think we take this lightly, ask any Haywyre employee how often we talk about solar panels!

The future of green design

As technology evolves, so do the methods by which we can measure and monitor the environmental impact of our digitial world. Haywyre is committed to keeping up with these latest advances and innovations, to ensure that our current and future products have the maximum impact on our clients but a minimal impact on our planet.