At a Glance
Green hosting reduces the environmental impact of digital infrastructure through renewable energy, efficient hardware, and transparent carbon reporting. However, many providers rely solely on vague claims or offsets. Businesses should assess hosting providers against clear evidence, certifications, data centre practices, and compliance with the UK Green Claims Code to avoid greenwashing.
Green Hosting vs Greenwashing
The internet has grown far beyond its text-only early days. Behind every app you open and video you watch on the internet are data centres powered by electricity. But these data centres require adequate cooling systems, which also consume significant energy. All this energy used to power the internet contributes to a substantial carbon footprint, accounting for 1.5-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
As we move toward a more eco-conscious society, it’s increasingly important to choose host websites, applications, and data more responsibly. This is where green hosting can make a difference.
However, behind the good intentions of some web hosting providers are overt and vague marketing claims that border on greenwashing. So how do you spot real sustainability from greenwashing?
Through this guide, take a closer look at green hosting, how to spot misleading claims and greenwashing in hosting, and what to expect from a genuine green hosting provider.
What is Green Hosting?
Green hosting (green web hosting, eco hosting or carbon-neutral hosting) is a more responsible hosting approach that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of hosting. In simple terms, your data, websites, and apps are powered in a way that is better for the planet.
Genuine green hosting typically means:
- Running energy-efficient servers and cooling systems
- Using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro power
- Addressing emissions across the full lifecycle, from hardware sourcing to end-of-life equipment handling
- Offsetting carbon emissions where renewable power is not possible
- Transparent reporting on energy use, carbon emissions, and reduction strategies
The Rise of Green Hosting
Consumers and businesses are increasingly leaning towards greener solutions, and for good reason.
Common reasons supporting this growing demand include:
ESG and Reporting Requirements
Businesses are under pressure to report their environmental impact, including that of digital infrastructure. Moreover, choosing green hosting over standard hosting allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to greater social responsibility.
Meeting Stakeholder and Customer Expectations
Consumers are becoming more sustainability-driven, even in their digital choices. They may prefer organisations that run on green or carbon-neutral servers, as they are committed to the environment. This emerges as an essential trust metric.
Cost Savings
Green hosting can also be more cost-efficient for organisations in the long run. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies often reduce energy costs. This can be passed on to customers as lower hosting costs.
Supply Chain Scrutiny
Your hosting choices fall under Scope 3 emissions, further emphasising the importance of choosing the right green hosting provider.
How to Spot Greenwashing Red Flags and Misleading Green Hosting Claims
Common greenwashing red flags in hosting include:
- Using phrases like “powered by green energy” without proper evidence or backing
- No published data or independent verification
- Tall claims of carbon-neutral operations based solely on offsets
- No clarity on the location of the data centres
- No independent certification or third-party assessment/verification
- Sustainability data is not published transparently or publicly available
UK Green Claims Code
It’s not enough for a web hosting provider to simply claim they’re green. Claims must be supported by substantial evidence to demonstrate tangible, lasting sustainability.
Moreover, any brand making environmental claims about its products or services in the UK must adhere to the UK Green Claims Code. This code, introduced in 2021, outlines guidelines that businesses must follow, regardless of size. It ensures a brand’s green claims do not mislead consumers. The UK Green Claims Code also applies to green hosting providers.
Credible carbon-neutral hosting providers, like BlackBox Hosting, can answer any green hosting questions clearly and transparently. If you have any questions, feel free to call us on +44 (0)2037 407 840 today to discuss.
What to Look for in Green Web Hosting in 2026 – A Checklist
Use this checklist to assess if a hosting provider is genuinely sustainable.
- Transparency on location, power source, and operations of the data centre
- Proof of using electricity from renewable sources through contracts, certificates, or direct supply
- Follows standards such as ISO 14001 or equivalent
- Measures, tracks, and reports carbon emissions data
- Invests in energy-efficient infrastructure with modern hardware, cooling systems, and energy-optimised practices
- Honest and transparent communication
BlackBox Hosting is certified carbon neutral under ISO 14068-1:2023, verified by BSI and supported by Tunley Environmental throughout the verification process. According to the latest published report, we have zero sources of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. (This data is for the assessment period in question between the 1st of November 2023 and the 31st of October 2024)
Connect with our team to access the complete report.
BlackBox Hosting’s Green Hosting Approach
BlackBox Hosting sees green hosting differently from other eco hosting providers. We’ve achieved carbon-neutral status after rigorous assessment, continued transparency in services, and are committed to measurable climate action.
For us, sustainability is a standard, enabling us to support you with confidence with enterprise-ready, secure, stable, and carbon-neutral infrastructure. Choosing BlackBox Hosting as your carbon-neutral hosting partner means:
- 99.999% uptime on sustainably powered and managed systems
- Uncompromised server speed and data security
- Accessing an infrastructure that meets ISO 14068-1 and ISO 14001 environmental management standards
- Maintaining enterprise-grade performance and reliability
- A future-ready approach to run your operations
Ready to switch to our carbon-neutral hosting solutions? Call +44 (0)2037 407 840 to sign up for a 30-day free hosting trial.
