Beyond the Hype: Building a Sustainable Startup Tech Stack

Earlier this year, the world watched as an all-female crew, including Katy Perry and Gayle King, embarked on a brief 11-minute journey to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. While the mission was celebrated by some as a milestone for female representation in space, it also faced significant backlash. Critics questioned the environmental impact of such a short trip and the message it sends about privilege and resource allocation in times of global hardship .

As a founder deeply invested in both innovation and sustainability, this event prompted me to reflect on the environmental footprint of our own ventures. While few startups are launching rockets, many of us are building digital platforms that, collectively, have a substantial impact on our planet.

The Invisible Footprint of Digital Innovation

Every line of code, every user interaction, and every server request contributes to our carbon footprint. Data centres consume vast amounts of energy, and the cumulative effect of millions of daily digital interactions is significant. For instance, the average web page produces approximately 0.8 grams of CO₂ per page view.

At TIDI, we've been exploring ways to quantify and offset our digital carbon footprint. Preliminary estimates suggest that for every 1,000 active users, our platform could be responsible for approximately 100–200 kg of CO₂ annually. Scaling up, 5,000 users might equate to 500–1,000 kg of CO₂ each year.

Taking Responsibility: Steps Toward Sustainability

I'd like to point out that understanding our impact is the first step. Here are some actions we're implementing at TIDI to align our operations with our environmental values:

1. Carbon Offsetting: We're partnering with reputable organisations like Gold Standard and South Pole to offset our estimated emissions through projects that support renewable energy and reforestation.

2. Green Hosting: Transitioning to cloud services powered by renewable energy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

3. Efficient Coding Practices: Optimising our codebase to reduce server load and energy consumption.

4. User Education: Informing our users about the environmental impact of their digital activities and encouraging sustainable practices.

A Call to the Startup Community

The conversation around the Blue Origin flight highlights the importance of aligning our actions with our values. As startup leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to build technologies that not only serve our users but also respect our planet.

Let's move beyond performative gestures and integrate sustainability into the core of our operations. By doing so, we can ensure that our innovations contribute positively to the world we share.