Solve Web Media® is an SEO, digital marketing and eco-friendly web design agency based in Cornwall bringing online success to businesses the world over. We believe that the way a company chooses to do business speaks volumes about that company. From web hosting to supporting organisations that are important to us, everything we do is driven by our company ethos of using our powers for good.
With a combined skill set covering all aspects of digital marketing, we use data-driven strategies that really pack a punch. Our ‘business for good’ ethos empowers us to consider our actions and the ripple down effect it has upon the string of trailblazing companies we work with, each of whom care about what they do and the effect their actions can have on future generations.
Protecting our planet needs to be at the forefront of everything we do. The future of our planet depends on the well-being of the species who live here on Earth. If the human race as a whole doesn’t take immediate and decisive action, our fragile ecosystem faces a bleak future. Taking positive steps to become more responsible consumers whilst working together to conserve precious resources shouldn’t be an “ideal” or the future – it is crucial that we act now.
Have you Considered Your Digital Marketing Carbon Footprint?
While moving our lives online may promote significant energy efficiency gains in some ways, the explosive growth of the digital world is at risk of outstripping those gains. Yes we can save energy by using digital resources rather than physical energy-zapping alternatives (i.e- by building an online shop rather than building a physical shop which customers have to drive to), but the power it takes to create and generate that digital power can sometimes outweigh the good.
Global Environment
The Cisco Global Cloud Index forecasts that nearly 80% of the planet’s adult population will be connected to the internet by 2020 and according to the Broadband Commission, mobile broadband subscriptions are expected to jump to a staggering 7.6 billion by 2020.
The magic of the internet seems almost limitless, but each new internet-enabled magic trick means more and more data. Recent studies estimate that “the collective electricity consumption of our devices, data centres, and networks will jump from 7.4% of global electricity consumption in 2012 to between 7% and 12%…”
Leading digital agencies such as Solve must find a way to leapfrog traditional methods of running an online business and mitigate our carbon footprint so that we can in turn do the same for our clients.
A Responsible and Sustainable Approach to Web Hosting
Here at Solve we conduct ourselves as responsible earthlings whilst running a business that staff and clients alike are proud to be associated with. Clients can rest assured that when they use Solve as their digital marketing agency, not only will their website create a big impact online, but their ecological footprint will be minimal.
Environment
We believe in making small changes that have a big effect; for example, the websites of 250+ businesses hosted by us worldwide are powered by 100% renewable energy. The environmental impact of a web host probably won’t initially rank on most people’s priority lists, but once you consider this impact you’ll see how important it is for our planet.
Web hosting is a far more energy-intensive activity than you would imagine! Web hosting data centres use tens of thousands of high-powered computers which generate such heat that enormous cooling systems are required to keep temperatures manageable and safe. Web Neutral Project founder Jack Amend actually calculated the carbon footprint of traditional web hosting and worked out that powering the average website produces 4,500 pounds of CO2 a year – that’s the same as driving a modern car for more than 10,000 miles. When you think how many websites there are on the world wide web, you’ll realise how CRAZY that figure is and why something needs to be done! Using a green web hosting provider keeps our carbon footprint (as well as that of the businesses we work with) to a minimum and gives us the peace of mind that we’re doing our bit to protect our planet.
Not only is our web hosting powered by renewable energy, but the Solve office is solar-powered too. Solar power is a clean, green source of energy which doesn’t release gas emissions into the atmosphere (unlike other energy sources). Along with this, the sun produces more energy than we’ll ever need, so solar energy is a crucial resource to ensure a bright (pardon the pun) future for our planet. We even ensure that the recycled loo roll we use is made of sustainable bamboo (not trees) – 50% of the toilet roll company’s profits helps build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world. It’s the little changes like loo roll which combine to make a powerful impact and become a force for good.
Education and Leading by Example
By harnessing the power of business, Solve Web Media uses profits and growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment.
Community
Solve’s founder Lawrence is passionate about the planet and the world around him. Whether it’s surfing, adventuring or mountain-biking… he’s happiest when thrill-seeking and adores immersing himself in the great outdoors. He has an infectious passion for life and you’ll often find him listening to the latest podcast, reading blogs and immersing himself in the culture of digital marketing to keep at the forefront of our ever-evolving industry. This thirst for education also extends to finding ways in which his digital marketing company can be more responsible and socially-conscious. Lawrence is currently in the process of turning Solve into a B Corp’ organisation (B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. It is a community of leaders, driving of a global movement of people using businesses as a force for good).
Education
By transforming the fortunes of worthwhile businesses that could benefit from eco-friendly web design, SEO and online marketing activity, we help them to increase their reach and spread their message even further. Solve volunteers its digital marketing skills to local charities and other good causes including Protectors of the Sea, Surfers Against Sewage, Reefdoctor and LauFest, among others. In addition, by taking the time to learn how to be a more thoughtful company and implementing strategies that cut our carbon footprint, we in turn can pass that knowledge on to our clients and help them to become more responsible businesses. Solve’s conscientious approach to business means that an emphasis of traceability and accountability is shaping the way the business drives forward. Inspiring clients to re-evaluate the purpose of their own businesses brings about a dynamic culture of change – and without change, businesses are unable to develop and grow.
If you think you can do digital business better, get in touch with Solve and join the digital green revolution. Together we can make a change and be that force for good.
