Estimating the Carbon Footprint of a Web Page
The first step was to understand how much carbon is produced by a single page load.
There isn’t one universally accepted number. Different studies and carbon calculators use different models, but they all point to a measurable impact:
Many independent analyses estimate an average of around 0.2–0.6 g CO₂ per pageview for a typical website.
Some research suggests higher values, with certain scenarios reaching 1 g or more per pageview.
In extreme cases, such as large or complex pages, estimates can climb to several grams of CO₂ per view.
These figures vary based on page size, hosting infrastructure, network efficiency, caching, and even the user’s device.
After reviewing the data, DEXM selected 1 g of CO₂ per pageview as our working estimate. This is a conservative figure, sitting at the upper end of the typical range, which helps ensure our offsets won’t fall short. Aggregating Our Impact and adding a buffer.
Once we had our per-page estimate, the next step was to aggregate total monthly pageviews across every site we host. This allowed us to build a clear picture of the overall footprint of our hosting operations.
We then double this number to build in a safety buffer.
That’s because there is simply no reliable way to measure the emissions on the end-user side. The impact of a single page load can change dramatically depending on where, when, and how someone is browsing.
The energy used varies depending on the type of device. A low-power laptop will have a very different footprint to a gaming PC or a mobile phone. It’s also affected by the electricity source in the user’s region, which might be mostly renewable in one place and fossil-fuel heavy in another. Even the time of day can influence the carbon intensity of the grid.
With so many unknowns, we keep things simple and build in a generous buffer. Doubling our estimate means we’re confident we’re covering those hidden emissions, even if we can’t measure them directly.
Offsetting more than we emit
Once we have our monthly figure, we offset double that amount through verified carbon offset programs and tree planting projects, we partner with Ecologi to deliver these offsets. Ecologi funds a mix of nature-based solutions and high-quality carbon reduction initiatives around the world.
You can view our live carbon offset and tree planting record here: ecologi.com/dexm
By deliberately over-offsetting, we aim to ensure we’re not just carbon neutral, but carbon positive in our hosting operations.
We’re also transparent about the limitations:
These are model-based estimates, not precise measurements.
Offsetting does not replace the need to reduce emissions in the first place.
We continually optimise the sites we host to make them leaner and more efficient.
Beyond Offsetting: Building a Greener Web
Our goal isn’t just to neutralise emissions but to reduce them at the source.
That means:
Encouraging efficient, lightweight site design
Minimising unnecessary scripts and assets
Implementing caching and CDNs
Prioritising sustainable infrastructure choices
A smaller, cleaner web is a faster and more accessible web, and it’s better for the planet.