What types of sustainable hosting options are out there?
In the move to a green economy, hosting providers are experimenting with numerous options to offset their carbon footprint. It can be pretty confusing, so here's a list of the current options available to green hosts:
Direct renewable energy powered hosts
These hosts are powered by renewable energy sources. Power sources can include solar powered hosts, biomass fueled web hosts, and wind powered hosting. Renewable energy powered hosting directly reduces the eco-footprint versus buying credits to offset emissions
Carbon-reducing hosts
Carbon reducing hosting companies buy more than the required Renewable Energy Credits needed to offset their carbon footprint. While they may be traditionally powered from the grid, buying extra RECs will take those credits off of the market.
Carbon-neutral hosts
Carbon neutral hosts are traditionally powered hosts that buy Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset their emissions. Most buy RECs in solar or wind power, while others plant trees or invest in nonprofit foundations or funds.
Undefined or early attempters
Hosting services in this category are companies in the early stages of going green or attempting a more novel approach to carbon reduction. Usually, hosts in this category need a more critical look.