Survey: Most Online Shoppers Value Green-Powered Web Sites
Philadelphia — March 25
Web hosting company 1&1 Internet Inc. released research conducted in association with Wired Magazine that identifies a “green expectation” from consumers: Virtual shops should now run more green operations. The results show that the requirement for all companies to go green is growing, as the traditional methods of using less energy are only a start in the eyes of most consumers today.
The “SMB Green Study” found that a green-powered Web site may be a deciding factor when selecting which retailer to purchase from. More than 60 percent of people admit to being swayed to purchase from an online shop if the Web site identifies itself as using green energy. About 78 percent of consumers say that the environmental practices of even a virtual shop are important to them, and most consumers believe that all businesses should be environmentally responsible.
One way for e-commerce Web sites to take green efforts to the next level is by powering their Web sites from a green data center or servers using renewable energy. More than 70 percent of consumers surveyed believe using a green service provider is an acceptable way to put forth a “green” image.
“Committing to minimizing their impact on the environment has a clear commercial advantage for all types of retailers,” said Oliver Mauss, CEO of 1&1 Internet Inc. “By offering green Web hosting at no extra cost, 1&1 offers an easy way for any Web site to run on green power.”
The research also showed that two-thirds (67 percent) of participants are frequent online shoppers, making Web purchases more than twice a month. The amount of people shopping online has been growing exponentially, which presents a lucrative opportunity for many people setting up shop on the Internet. The data suggests that choosing a green Web host could potentially be a selling point that convinces online browsers to become buyers.