study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI<\/a> on behalf of the German E-Commerce and Mail Order Association (bevh). This is roughly nine times the emissions of a passenger kilometer traveled in a combustion engine vehicle, calculated as the distance traveled multiplied by the number of passengers. Besides packaging and logistics, digital infrastructure is a crucial lever for improving sustainability in online retail. The study authors estimate that digital infrastructure contributes 5.5 to 25 percent of total emissions.<\/p>\nHowever, this figure also includes consumers’ IT infrastructure, which accounts for a larger share than that of retailers. Nevertheless, online retailers can reduce their environmental footprint by making their e-commerce tech stack as sustainable as possible. Manuel Ludvigsen-Diekmann, CTO of the e-commerce service provider Shopmacher, has compiled seven points that online retailers should consider.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” alt=”SHOPMACHER” title_text=”Nachhaltigkeit-scaled_” background_image=”https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nachhaltigkeit-scaled_.jpg” parallax=”on” height=”515px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”-68px||||false|false” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-68px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
1. Use Cloud Providers <\/strong><\/p>\nWith a cloud-based IT infrastructure, many users share the same infrastructure, utilizing only the resources they need at any given time. This optimizes hardware usage and avoids overcapacity.<\/p>\n
2. Choose Energy-Efficient Servers <\/strong><\/p>\nPartner with hosting providers that use energy-efficient servers and renewable energy sources to minimize your ecological footprint. These providers invest in modern server hardware that meets current energy efficiency standards, using energy-efficient processors and optimized cooling technology. Positioning data centers in locations with favorable climate conditions and using energy-saving lighting also improves energy efficiency.<\/p>\n
3. Focus on Composable Structures <\/strong><\/p>\nEven the latest tech stack will eventually become outdated or need scaling. From an environmental perspective, it\u2019s better to build systems from independent, interoperable components. This allows for individual elements to be easily replaced without overhauling the entire system.<\/p>\n
4. Pay Attention to Sustainable Web Design <\/strong><\/p>\nThe internet has become one of the world\u2019s biggest energy consumers. Retailers can calculate their online shop\u2019s CO2 emissions using tools like this. The good news: with sustainable web design, the energy consumption and carbon footprint of an online shop can be significantly reduced. The first principle is \u201cmobile-first\u201d because browsing on mobile devices is much more energy-efficient than on desktop PCs. Reducing unnecessary elements, graphics, animations, and especially videos shortens load times and saves energy. An optimal UX helps online visitors reach their goals faster, reducing page views and CO2 emissions.<\/p>\n
5. Implement an Efficient Content Delivery Network (CDN) <\/strong><\/p>\nA CDN distributes static resources like images, stylesheets, and JavaScript files across servers located in different geographic regions. This places these resources closer to end-users, reducing latency and speeding up load times. By distributing static resources across multiple servers, the load on the origin servers is reduced, better utilizing the servers and reducing the need for additional capacity. CDNs also use powerful caching mechanisms, ensuring that once-fetched resources are stored for future requests, minimizing data traffic and energy consumption.<\/p>\n
6. Recycle Outdated Hardware <\/strong><\/p>\nAvoid electronic waste by properly recycling old devices. Functional hardware can also be donated. Many non-profit organizations, schools, or community projects can benefit from working hardware.<\/p>\n
7. Communicate Your Sustainability Efforts <\/strong><\/p>\nMany consumers now pay close attention to whether companies they shop with are taking environmental measures. You could attract these customers by making your sustainability efforts visible. You can also encourage your customers to shop more eco-consciously, for example, by highlighting the carbon footprint of a video click under video content.With a cloud-based IT infrastructure, many users work on a shared infrastructure. Each individual only uses the power they actually need. This means that the hardware is used efficiently and overcapacity is avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-32px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”bdbb3f40-2c94-4a5a-ad50-00c5a914af1c” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What we can also do<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”16px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_color=”#E02B20″ header_2_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_2_font_size=”22px” header_2_line_height=”30px” header_3_font=”Montserrat|800|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0) 40%|rgba(0,0,0,0.8) 99%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ressources.jpg” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||12px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”12px|20px|24px|20px|false|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/?page_id=246622″ background_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element=”height: 360px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”20px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_scale__hover=”105%|105%” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”height: 280px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”height: 180px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;”]<\/p>\n
Shopmacher Resources<\/span><\/h3>\nWe build your own development team<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”link_option_url” _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_2_font_size=”22px” header_2_line_height=”30px” header_3_font=”Montserrat|800|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0) 40%|rgba(0,0,0,0.8) 99%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/consulting-1.jpg” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||12px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”12px|20px|24px|20px|false|true” link_option_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjI0NjUzMCJ9fQ==@” background_last_edited=”on|phone” use_background_color_gradient_phone=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_phone=”rgba(0,0,0,0) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.8) 99%” custom_css_main_element=”height: 360px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”20px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_scale__hover=”105%|105%” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”height: 280px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”height: 180px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;”]<\/p>\n
Shopmacher Consulting<\/span><\/h3>\nOur experts help with their know-how<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_2_font_size=”22px” header_2_line_height=”30px” header_3_font=”Montserrat|800|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0) 40%|rgba(0,0,0,0.8) 99%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/operations.jpg” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||12px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”12px|20px|24px|20px|false|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/?page_id=246622″ background_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element=”height: 360px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”20px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_scale__hover=”105%|105%” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”height: 280px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”height: 180px;||display: flex;||align-items: flex-end;”]<\/p>\n
Shopmacher Operations<\/h3>\n
Know-how, capacity and development power on time.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Campustag-16.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In the creativity technique, there is a method called the “flip-flop technique”. This has nothing to do with flip-flops, but takes into account the fact that most people’s psychology is much more creative when dealing with negative thoughts than when dealing with positive ideas. In concrete terms, this means collecting all the points that could contribute to the failure of a project, then “flip-flopping” them into the opposite and very quickly coming up with new creative solutions – beyond the usual patterns of thought and action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":248522,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,47,76,78,74,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-248537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artikel","category-digitalisierung","category-digitalization","category-items","category-press-release-en","category-pressemeldung"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=248537"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":249846,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248537\/revisions\/249846"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/248522"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=248537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=248537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shopmacher.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=248537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}