Why Digital Sustainability is a Smart Move for Your Business

May 16, 2025

If you’re running a business today—whether you’re a solo founder, part of a growing SaaS company, or leading an enterprise team—chances are you’ve already heard that sustainability matters. But what does that look like in the digital space? And more importantly, does it actually make a difference to your bottom line?

Spoiler: Yes, it does.

Digital sustainability isn’t just good for the planet. It’s a strategic growth move that helps you build a better brand, attract more customers, save money, and future-proof your business. Here are the key marketing and financial reasons why digital sustainability deserves a spot in your strategy.

Win Customer Loyalty by Doing the Right Thing

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a major decision-making factor. Customers are choosing brands that align with their values:

66% of consumers consider sustainability when making a purchase, with 75% of millennials doing so. Business News Daily
55% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands. The Roundup
84% of customers say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company. The Roundup

By showcasing your commitment to digital sustainability (think green hosting, efficient code, accessible design), you’re not just meeting expectations—you’re building deeper, more lasting relationships with your customers.

Better Performance = Better Results

Sustainable websites and apps are built lean: less code, fewer requests, optimized media. That translates directly to a faster experience for your users, which has a measurable impact:

A 0.1-second improvement in mobile site speed can increase retail conversions by 8.4% and average order value by 9.2%. Google, Deloitte study
A 2-second delay in load time during a transaction can result in abandonment rates of up to. 87% Radware
Slower pages lose users fast: BBC found it lost 10% of users for every additional second of load time. Google Developers

Beyond user experience, speed also affects your discoverability. Google ranks faster sites higher in search results, especially on mobile. That means more organic traffic and lower acquisition costs.

Reduce Costs with Leaner Infrastructure

Digital sustainability isn’t just about cutting carbon—it’s also about cutting waste. Leaner websites:

Use less bandwidth (lower hosting costs)
Require less energy (especially at scale)
Are easier and cheaper to maintain over time

Companies that focus on sustainable practices reduce operating costs by 5–10% on average. World Economic Forum Resource efficiency can improve operating profits by up to 60% in some industries. McKinsey

Moreover, integrating sustainability into core business strategies not only drives cost savings but also fosters innovation and resilience, positioning companies for long-term success in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.

Open New Doors with Procurement and Compliance

More companies are demanding that their partners and vendors follow sustainable practices. In fact:

89% of procurement teams say sustainability is now a key factor in their decisions Supply Chain Dive
Demonstrating carbon neutrality can be the deciding factor in winning (or losing) major contracts.

If you’re competing nationally or globally, your sustainability story isn’t just a bonus—it’s a must-have.

Long-Term Value, Backed by Data

This isn’t about greenwashing. The financial case is well-documented:

89% of studies show companies with robust sustainability practices perform better operationally. Harvard Business Review
80% of studies show sustainability-linked companies experience better stock price performance Harvard Business Review
Companies integrating sustainability saw a 3.1% increase in profits, on average Accenture, 2023

Sustainable companies also attract more investment, retain employees longer, and bounce back faster from economic shocks.

Sustainability That Scales With You

Digital sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re redesigning your site or building a new app, small shifts can lead to big impact:

Choose green hosting providers.
Optimize your images and code.
Reduce unnecessary plugins and third-party scripts.
Design for accessibility and performance.

These changes benefit your users, your budget, and the planet—all at the same time.

At Really Good Work, we help businesses adopt sustainable digital practices that are good for growth, good for people, and good for the world. If you’re ready to reduce your digital footprint while increasing your impact, we’re here to help.

Ready to make your website or app more sustainable? Get in touch and let’s talk.