Accreditation FAQs

Our free website audit covers a reasonable cross-section of a website, rather than just one page, and we regularly review the data. Our experience has shown that although a single web page on a website may have a low carbon footprint, other pages, particularly high-traffic ones, may have much higher carbon footprints. We provide website owners with free guidance to help them reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, we offer free follow-up audits to assist in achieving a low-carbon website.

Websites that meet our standard can opt for our accreditation service. We provide accreditation logos to display on the website, unlimited follow-up audits to help maintain this eco-standard, and quarterly audits to help these websites stay on track. Additionally, we add the website to our verification directory and regularly validate it. We also offer a communications resource pack that includes a social media script and press release template. These accreditations support our efforts to conduct more free website audits globally, provide free guidance for those seeking to improve their websites, develop toolkits, advance research, and create awareness for a cleaner, greener internet.

An ongoing commitment to maintaining low-carbon web pages requires a process, and that is precisely what we provide through our accreditations. Our current process is outlined here.

An ongoing commitment to maintaining low-carbon web pages requires a process, and that is precisely what we provide through our accreditations. Climate-Positive Website Accreditation is awarded to websites with a carbon footprint that is under 1g on all pages, green-hosted and takes responsibility for site’s emissions at the end of the year based on the page views the website has received. By going beyond these efforts and reducing their website’s total carbon footprint by at least 10% more than the estimated emissions, these websites will achieve below-zero emissions. You can initiate the accreditation journey with a free audit of your website.

EFWA’s independent approach to accreditation sets us apart. EFWA is the world’s first eco standard for websites. Under the circumstances of the global environmental issues of global warming and the exhaustion of natural resources, EFWA embarked on a journey by setting the standard for climate-positive websites. Our accreditation process is designed to contribute directly or indirectly to eight of the United Nations Sustainable Goals, including Goal 3 – Good Health & Well-being, Goal 7 – Affordable & Clean Energy, Goal 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth, Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13 – Climate Action, Goal 15 – Life on land, and Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. This alignment underscores our commitment to addressing global environmental issues through sustainable practices.

To develop all our standards, we depend on a multidisciplinary Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to guide development and inform revisions to existing programmes. Our SAB continues to review the standards regularly. EFWA collaborates and works with a select group of highly recognised organisations across the spectrum from business, investment, industry to advocacy groups.

Although it may appear to be at odds with our aim, there are some limits that would prevent us from meeting our climate and sustainability impact goals. We may need to move fast in terms of how quickly we can make an impact in bringing about change. We’re a mission-driven social enterprise, motivated by climate impact — A force for good (on our way to becoming a B Corp in the future). From campaigning for issues like climate change and responsible consumption of digital technologies, knowledge-sharing to donating 10% of our profits to education of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and community tool development, we’re committed to a cleaner greener web and a sustainable world for everyone.

As a socially responsible business that operates as a limited company, we have the opportunity to strengthen our mission and ensure it remains a core aspect of our operations. By amending our Articles of Association, we have solidified our ideals and ensure that they continue to guide our decisions and actions.

With the increased number of free website audits we continue to evaluate the average estimate of carbon per page. The target of 1g of carbon per web page was arrived at based on the website audits we have completed. It is considered achievable for most existing websites and serves as a practical starting point for carbon reduction efforts. Conversely, if the target were set too low, it might not drive enough change to have a meaningful impact on reducing the carbon footprint.

We continue to review data from our website audits, which go beyond the home page. The Scientific Advisory Board reviews the recommended limit periodically and it may be lowered in the future, as we move forward.

It varies for each accreditation. Please go through the details page of the respective accreditation that you are interested in found under Accreditation page. Please note that, EFWA do not accredit or work with any organisations that are involved in fossil fuels, high-interest lending, gambling, tobacco, firearms, pornography, animal testing, genetically modified organisms, potential biodiversity impact, water intensive, chemicals of high concern and conflict minerals, and reserves the right to reject applications that are against its ethos and values.

It really depends on how quickly you make the necessary changes to meet the standard. Some meet the required standard within a week and it may typically take between 1-4 weeks. Talk to our team if you need any further guidance.

Undertaking the accreditation process demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with your website and digital platforms. This is an important step and a noble pursuit and one that would help you position yourself as a trailblazer in your industry, leading from the front and setting an example for others to follow.

As more and more highly empowered conscious consumers seek and champion brands that commit to sustainability, the accreditation also helps in terms of improving your corporate reputation. From a compliance standpoint it demonstrates to external stakeholders that the footprint associated with your website is transparent, credible and reliable. Let your stakeholders know that you are committing to digital sustainability.

It is widely accepted that the newfound consumer consciousness has sparked unprecedented urgency and action, influencing consumer behaviour. As per Forbes, highly empowered consumers seek and champion brands that commit to sustainability. 87% of consumers will have a more positive image of a company that supports social or environmental issues. With regards to Employee Engagement and Retention, the same study established that 88% will be more loyal to a company that supports social or environmental issues. Furthermore, 92% will be more likely to trust a company that supports social or environmental issues.

The Forbes results demonstrate that millennials are the most likely demographic to tell friends and family about CSR efforts and to give a company direct feedback. More and more customers around the globe are demanding brands take responsibility, and those who do so are perceived positively by all stakeholders.

In order to achieve digital sustainability, we believe that it is important to support as many deserving organisations as possible.

We offer fee concessions for accreditation. Registered charities, state educational institutions, environmental associations, and select public sector bodies are eligible for full fee concessions for accreditation costs. We have been issuing accreditations to registered charities at no cost for more than a year. We also provide concessions to freelancers, individuals, and small businesses. We continuously review our approach to extend our support to more deserving organisations.

Before your current accreditation expires, you can get started on the next accreditation cycle. We will work with you to make sure everything is in place so that your accreditation doesn’t expire between cycles.