Carbon neutral web host

Web hosting company, ilisys has claimed that it is the first web hosting company of its kind to achieve carbon neutrality in Australia.

The company hosts websites and emails for over 18,000 Australian businesses and uses more than 200,000 KWh of electricity each year. Because the company uses solar and wind energy to power its headquarters and data centre, it negates the equivalent of over 140,000 kg of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere.

The company has also reduced its carbon footprint to zero by planting trees to offset the greenhouse gas emissions it generates through other business activities such as staff commuting to work and business travel.

Matt Mulligan, product development director at ilisys, said that the entire business community, as well as individuals, can take action now to reduce Australia's growing greenhouse debt and minimise its impact on the environment.

"Data centres are a huge source of power consumption and this situation will only increase as devices get smaller and the demand of increased storage of data continues to rise," Mulligan said.

"The IT industry needs to start taking responsibility for its impact on the environment and start looking at ways to reduce its carbon footprint. This will not only benefit the environment but ensure sustainable sources of power supply for the future."