OpenConcept Consulting

Businesses have a role to play in combating climate change.

“Businesses manage the bulk of the economy – we can’t just rely on governments and individuals for climate action.”

Mike Gifford, Founder and President, OpenConcept Consulting

OpenConcept Consulting is an Ottawa-based team of web development consultants specializing in open-source development. Calling itself a “not-only-for-profit” company, OpenConcept was founded in 1999 by Mike Gifford because he saw an opportunity to create social change by starting his own business. Today, Mike’s belief that business can be used as a force for good is still entrenched in how OpenConcept operates and how it encourages other companies to do the same.

Sustainability Highlights

Using renewable energy for hydro and gas.

Replaced existing basement insulation and upgraded windows to increase energy efficiency.

Created a procurement policy that prioritized sustainable options.

Moved server infrastructure to green hosting.

Optimized website to reduce it’s CO2 footprint.

Industry: Professional, scientific and technical services
Size: Small – 6 employees
Hub: Carbon 613
Location: Ottawa

Tackling Emissions in the “Cloud”

Did you know that the internet produces roughly the same amount of global carbon emissions as the aviation industry? And the amount of data centres that power the internet are increasing exponentially?

If the internet was a country, it would be the sixth largest polluter in the world.

While just about every organization has an online presence, very few consider the environmental impact of their activities in the “cloud”. As a web development company, OpenConcept wanted to both lead by example and generate awareness about minimizing the internet’s carbon footprint. In 2017, OpenConcept moved their corporate servers to a completely carbon neutral hosting provider and also took part in drafting the Sustainable Web Manifesto, which aims to create a sustainable internet.

Beyond choosing a green hosting provider, you can also make your website run more efficiently by optimizing your website elements, including your code, your graphics and animations, and even your colour palette.

If you want to estimate your website’s carbon emissions, you can visit the WebsiteCarbon. If you want to explore some green hosting options, you can visit The Green Web Foundation.

#DYK that the internet produces roughly the same amount of global carbon emissions as the aviation industry? Read what @openconcept_ca did to tackle their online emissions and what you can do too. greeneconomy.ca/purposeandprofit #GreenEconomyLeaders #climateaction

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