17th December 2024
Sustainability Will Be The Word in 2025
As we move into 2025, I predict that sustainability will be the word, Businesses, consumers, and governments are shifting towards prioritising environmental responsibility.
In this article, I want to share my predictions on what sustainable trends that will be shaping our industry in the coming year.
Sustainable eCommerce
I feel the eCommerce landscape is transforming as sustainability takes centre stage! Many of our clients are positioning eco-conscious products at the forefront of their offerings, driving consumer awareness and demand for greener choices, this is only going to increase!
- The Tech:
I predict that businesses will conduct end-to-end reviews of their technology stacks to meet sustainability and carbon net-zero goals. This shift will open opportunities for businesses and suppliers to innovate and drive progress.
- The Product:
I see circular economy practices—such as offering refurbished goods, trade-in programs, and products designed for recycling, will become essential. Retailers that embrace sustainability as part of their core value proposition will stand out and gain a competitive edge.
- Thought Leadership:
Leading the way in sustainability means educating consumers on the benefits of eco-conscious choices and aligning brand messaging with environmental values. Businesses that champion sustainability will build trust and loyalty in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.
Green Hosting
I see the environmental impact of web hosting becoming a critical focus for businesses working toward their Net Zero goals.
- Greening Supply Chains:
I see a big opportunity for Hosting providers that leverage renewable energy and energy-efficient hardware to stand out and gain market share.
I believe viewing hosting through the lens of global sustainability means considering not just energy use but also the carbon footprint of server manufacturing, maintenance, and disposal.
Emails and Data Retention
Managing digital communication more sustainably will become a key focus in 2025, given the significant carbon emissions tied to emails and data storage.
- Understanding the Impact:
Each email contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through the energy needed for storage and transmission. Business will be looking to reduce unnecessary emails and avoiding long chains to help cut their digital carbon footprint, this is a great opportunity seek new more efficient ways to communicate.
- Clear Data Retention Policies:
Companies will need to implement strict data retention policies, regularly purging outdated data and emails to keep servers from being overloaded with unnecessary information.
Green Certification
I predict that businesses will increasingly rely on credible certifications to meet rising consumer demands for transparency and authenticity in sustainability.
- Products and Badges:
Certifications like Fair Trade, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and Carbon Neutral will help your consumers make informed, sustainable choices.
- Driving Out Greenwashing:
Ensuring authenticity will be vital. Businesses making false sustainability claims risk serious damage to your reputation and trustworthiness.
- Choosing Green Products:
I see that aligning product offerings with certified green solutions will build brand credibility and strengthen greener supply chains.
Stakeholder Engagement
There will be more collaborating with stakeholders to drive innovation and achieving sustainability goals.
- Having the Conversation:
There will be more sustainability centred conversation with key partners and stakeholders – Be Part of That Conversation.
- Thinking Ahead:
Strategic think will be even more important in 2025. Encouraging forward-thinking practices among stakeholders will ensure long-term resilience, innovation, and deliver shared sustainability success.
Whilst the conversation and focus for both tech and business has been dominated by AI and all the promises it will bring; I see 2025 as a year that business will be doubling down on sustainability goals and Net Zero challenges.
Nothing would delight me more than seeing my predictions becoming reality for many!
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Ray Stephens
Passionate about internet technologies and innovation, Ray established his first internet services business in 1999 offering high-end expertise to charities and SMEs. His primary role at Reuben is to share his vision and knowledge of the internet and technology, helping clients create sustainable websites and digital business strategies.
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