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![2009 ADA (USA) amended
2010 Equality Act (UK)
2016 Web Accessibility Directive (EU)
2019 Accessible Canada Act 🍁
2023 M-24-08 [508++]
2024 WCAG 2.2
2025 European Accessibility Act
Waiting for the law
The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Toward Justice - MLK Jr.
Accessibility](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/techforumtalkfeb3rd2026-260209184451-db693574/85/Escape-from-the-Forbidden-Zone-Smuggling-green-and-inclusive-tech-past-the-gatekeepers-Tech-Forum-2026-21-320.jpg)
![2009 ADA (USA) amended
2010 Equality Act (UK)
2016 Web Accessibility Directive (EU)
2019 Accessible Canada Act 🍁
2023 M-24-08 [508++]
2024 WCAG 2.2
2025 European Accessibility Act
2021 Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (EU)
2022 A Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age (UN)
2023 Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (California)
2023 Web Sustainability Guidelines
2024 Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU)
2024 Government Digital Sustainability Alliance (UK)
Waiting for the law
The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Toward Justice - MLK Jr.
Accessibility Sustainability](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/techforumtalkfeb3rd2026-260209184451-db693574/85/Escape-from-the-Forbidden-Zone-Smuggling-green-and-inclusive-tech-past-the-gatekeepers-Tech-Forum-2026-22-320.jpg)
![Accessibility
“…eliminating barriers that prevent people from perceiving,
understanding, navigating, and interacting with the web.”
ADA (USA) amended
Equality Act (UK)
Web Accessibility Directive (EU)
Accessible Canada Act 🍁
M-24-08 [508++]
European Accessibility Act
}Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (2.2)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/techforumtalkfeb3rd2026-260209184451-db693574/85/Escape-from-the-Forbidden-Zone-Smuggling-green-and-inclusive-tech-past-the-gatekeepers-Tech-Forum-2026-34-320.jpg)
![Semantic code practices
Include beneficial files
Avoid deprecated code
Use the latest stable language
Run fewer, simpler queries
Forms validation
Metadata structure
User preference media queries are used
Layouts work across devices
Use beneficial JavaScript / APIs
Script security
Dependencies are maintained
*Reworded for length
Section 3: Web Development
Set goals based on potential impact
Remove unnecessary information
Modularize components
Redundancy and duplication
Assess Third-party services
Render blocking
[Metadata & Macrodata]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/techforumtalkfeb3rd2026-260209184451-db693574/85/Escape-from-the-Forbidden-Zone-Smuggling-green-and-inclusive-tech-past-the-gatekeepers-Tech-Forum-2026-46-320.jpg)
![Semantic code practices
Include beneficial files
Avoid deprecated code
Use the latest stable language
Run fewer, simpler queries
Forms validation
Metadata structure
User preference media queries are used
Layouts work across devices
Use beneficial JavaScript / APIs
Script security
Dependencies are maintained
*Reworded for length
Section 3: Web Development
Set goals based on potential impact
Remove unnecessary information
Modularize components
Redundancy and duplication
Assess Third-party services
Render blocking
[Metadata & Macrodata]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/techforumtalkfeb3rd2026-260209184451-db693574/85/Escape-from-the-Forbidden-Zone-Smuggling-green-and-inclusive-tech-past-the-gatekeepers-Tech-Forum-2026-47-320.jpg)
Uploaded byBookNet Canada
Escape from the Forbidden Zone: Smuggling green and inclusive tech past the gatekeepers - Tech Forum 2026
Today’s business climate can make it difficult to get buy-in for the implementation of sustainable, inclusive practices. How can the book supply chain work around this challenge and move towards action? This talk offers practical, optimistic strategies to smuggle sustainability and accessibility into digital spaces. Learn to reframe principles in business-friendly language, tweak processes for stealth impact, and adopt passive resistance tactics. Link to recording and transcript: https://bnctechforum.ca/sessions/escape-from-the-forbidden-zone-smuggling-green-and-inclusive-tech-past-the-gatekeepers/ Presented by BookNet Canada on February 3, 2026 with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
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- 1. Escape from the forbiddenzone smuggling green & inclusive tech past the gatekeepers James Christie / SustainableUX 03/02/2026 Escape from the forbidden zone smuggling green & inclusive tech past the gatekeepers
- 2. Indifference Concern EngagedActivism Revolution Spice level 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
- 3. Indifference Concern EngagedActivism Revolution Spice level 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
- 4. Agenda A big coal-poweredmachine Emergence of Web Sustainability Guidelines and Laws Setbacks How to reduce internet CO2 (by any means necessary) With asides on Accessibility, Web Performance
- 5. Publishing Corporate UX Inclusive design(+ AI) Digital Sustainability My career so far:
- 6. The Internet’s ClimateCost ● 2-4% of global electricity ● Mostly powered by fossil fuels ● CO2 equivalent to the aviation industry ● Set to double by 2030
- 7.
- 8. Ecograder report onnvidia.com
- 9. Ecograder report onamazon.com. 1 million pageviews = 31 tons of carbon dioxide.
- 10. Sustainable Web Designcirca 2013 = = ∴ Use data-aware design to reduce climate impact. Data Electricity Electricity CO2
- 11. Pathway to Punditry Articles Conferences SustainableUX Conference(‘16-’19) Newsletter The Future ? ?? ?
- 12. 4 years worthof SustainableUX 2016 2017 2018 2019
- 13. Digital Sustainability Today Designprocess Governance Greenwashing Data-conscious design Data budgets User psychology and behavior Beliefs and Attitudes Regulatory Compliance Policy Scope 1 / 2 / 3 reporting Data centers Urban planning E-Waste Circular economy Green software Supply chain Education and awareness Project management practices UX processes IoT E-waste Accessibility Inclusion Environmental justice Network Efficiency Edge Computing & Local Processing Cloud Architecture & Optimization Sustainable AI & LLM Training Algorithmic Bias Rare Minerals, Mining, Slavery Solarpunk Climate Resilience
- 14. Digital Sustainability Today Designprocess Governance Greenwashing Data-conscious design Data budgets User psychology and behavior Beliefs and Attitudes Regulatory Compliance Policy Scope 1 / 2 / 3 reporting Data centers Urban planning E-Waste Circular economy Green software Supply chain Education and awareness Project management practices UX processes IoT E-waste Accessibility Inclusion Environmental justice Network Efficiency Edge Computing & Local Processing Cloud Architecture & Optimization Sustainable AI & LLM Training Algorithmic Bias Rare Minerals, Mining, Slavery Solarpunk Climate Resilience
- 15. The Web SustainabilityGuidelines 70 success criteria Design & Content Front-end Technology Backend & Infrastructure Project Management Sustainable Business … & more.
- 18. Putting it intopractice
- 19. This is aninteresting concept. I appreciate the passion behind this. Park this for now. Let’s circle back on this. Let’s not boil the ocean. Needs further strategic alignment review. Save it for Phase 2… Yeah, no What does legal and compliance say? Need to run that up the flagpole first. I'll have a proper think on that one. Put it on the back burner. Falls outside our primary value stream focus. Q4….next year. Assess whether it synergises with our core competencies. How to say NO in Business Yes, but first…
- 21. 2009 ADA (USA)amended 2010 Equality Act (UK) 2016 Web Accessibility Directive (EU) 2019 Accessible Canada Act 🍁 2023 M-24-08 [508++] 2024 WCAG 2.2 2025 European Accessibility Act Waiting for the law The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Toward Justice - MLK Jr. Accessibility
- 22. 2009 ADA (USA)amended 2010 Equality Act (UK) 2016 Web Accessibility Directive (EU) 2019 Accessible Canada Act 🍁 2023 M-24-08 [508++] 2024 WCAG 2.2 2025 European Accessibility Act 2021 Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (EU) 2022 A Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age (UN) 2023 Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (California) 2023 Web Sustainability Guidelines 2024 Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024 Government Digital Sustainability Alliance (UK) Waiting for the law The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Toward Justice - MLK Jr. Accessibility Sustainability
- 23. PROGRESS PROGRESS SLIDE -DEI, INCLUSIVE DESIGN, SUSTAINABILITY MAINSTREAM 😎 Future so bright!
- 24.
- 26.
- 28. We can’t sayinclusive. Call it something else. - direct stakeholder quote
- 32. Getting it doneanyway
- 33. 1. Accessibility 2. WebPerformance 3. Best Practices Disguising the WSG
- 34. Accessibility “…eliminating barriers thatprevent people from perceiving, understanding, navigating, and interacting with the web.” ADA (USA) amended Equality Act (UK) Web Accessibility Directive (EU) Accessible Canada Act 🍁 M-24-08 [508++] European Accessibility Act }Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (2.2)
- 35. 3.10 Validate FormErrors and External Input 1.4.10 Reflow 3.3.1 Error Identification 1.3.1 Info and Relationships 1.4.8 Visual Presentation WCAG 2.2 WSG Guidelines WCAG to WSG overlap 3.11 Use Metadata Correctly 3.13 Flexible layouts 3.12 Adapt to User Preferences
- 36. Accessibility hasn’t been“solved” WebAIM’s 2025 report on the accessibility of the top 1,000,000 home pages: 95% of sites have WCAG fails ~50 errors per page Most common issues: Low contrast text Missing ALT text Form labels Vague or misleading link text click here Important information
- 39. Americans with DisabilitiesAct M-24-08 Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 ADA Title II ADA Title III European Accessibility Act (2025, EU) Accessible Canada Act 🍁 Accessibility standards & legislation
- 40. Conduct Audits &Regression Tests Performance Testing Usability Testing Compatibility Testing Participatory design Use a Sustainable Approach for… Image Assets Media Assets Animation Typefaces Provide Alternatives to Web Assets Provide Accessible Web Forms Fewer Downloadable Documents *Reworded for length Section 2: User Experience Design Disclose external factors Assess and Research Visitor Needs Integrate Sustainability in Ideation Avoid Manipulative Patterns Provide Useful Notifications Document and Share Project Outputs Use a Design System Inclusive content
- 41. Conduct Audits &Regression Tests Performance Testing Usability Testing Compatibility Testing Participatory design Use a Sustainable Approach for… Image Assets Media Assets Animation Typefaces Provide Alternatives to Web Assets Provide Accessible Web Forms Fewer Downloadable Documents *Reworded for length WCAG in Section 2 of the WSG Disclose external factors Assess and Research Visitor Needs Integrate Sustainability in Ideation Avoid Manipulative Patterns Provide Useful Notifications Document and Share Project Outputs Use a Design System Inclusive content
- 42. Web Performance …is howlong a site takes to load, become interactive and responsive. A 0.1s improvement in mobile speed can lead to up to 8.4% higher conversions 53% of visitors abandon a page that takes more than three seconds to load But 90% (?!) of websites are poorly optimized
- 43. Conduct Audits &Regression Tests Performance Testing Usability Testing Compatibility Testing Participatory design Use a Sustainable Approach for… Image Assets Media Assets Animation Typefaces Provide Alternatives to Web Assets Provide Accessible Web Forms Fewer Downloadable Documents *Reworded for length Add Web Performance Optimisation Disclose external factors Assess and Research Visitor Needs Integrate Sustainability in Ideation Avoid Manipulative Patterns Provide Useful Notifications Document and Share Project Outputs Use a Design System Inclusive content
- 44. Conduct Audits &Regression Tests Performance Testing Usability Testing Compatibility Testing Participatory design Use a Sustainable Approach for… Image Assets Media Assets Animation Typefaces Provide Alternatives to Web Assets Provide Accessible Web Forms Fewer Downloadable Documents *Reworded for length Add Best Practices Disclose external factors Assess and Research Visitor Needs Integrate Sustainability in Ideation Avoid Manipulative Patterns Provide Useful Notifications Document and Share Project Outputs Use a Design System Inclusive content
- 45. Conduct Audits &Regression Tests Performance Testing Usability Testing Compatibility Testing Participatory design Use a Sustainable Approach for… Image Assets Media Assets Animation Typefaces Provide Alternatives to Web Assets Provide Accessible Web Forms Fewer Downloadable Documents *Reworded for length Accessibility + Web Performance + Best Practice Disclose external factors Assess and Research Visitor Needs Integrate Sustainability in Ideation Avoid Manipulative Patterns Provide Useful Notifications Document and Share Project Outputs Use a Design System Inclusive content
- 46. Semantic code practices Includebeneficial files Avoid deprecated code Use the latest stable language Run fewer, simpler queries Forms validation Metadata structure User preference media queries are used Layouts work across devices Use beneficial JavaScript / APIs Script security Dependencies are maintained *Reworded for length Section 3: Web Development Set goals based on potential impact Remove unnecessary information Modularize components Redundancy and duplication Assess Third-party services Render blocking [Metadata & Macrodata]
- 47. Semantic code practices Includebeneficial files Avoid deprecated code Use the latest stable language Run fewer, simpler queries Forms validation Metadata structure User preference media queries are used Layouts work across devices Use beneficial JavaScript / APIs Script security Dependencies are maintained *Reworded for length Section 3: Web Development Set goals based on potential impact Remove unnecessary information Modularize components Redundancy and duplication Assess Third-party services Render blocking [Metadata & Macrodata]
- 48. Define the frequencyof data refreshes Backup critical data Measure impact of processing information CDN use must be proportionate and sustainable Infrastructure decisions must meet requirements Store data according to the needs of your users *Reworded for length Section 4: Hosting, Infrastructure, and Systems Use a sustainable hosting provider Caching Optimize offline caching Compress files Error pages and redirection links Avoid unnecessary environments Regulate automation
- 49. Data management procedures Responsibleemerging technology practices Responsible financial policies Organizational philanthropy policies Product end-of-life planning E-waste & recycling policies Define performance and environmental budgets Use open source where possible Business continuity recovery plan Continuous improvement procedures Document future updates and evolutions Establish if a digital product or service is necessary Conduct a full life-cycle assessment Provide a supplier standards of practice Share economic benefits Share decision-making with stakeholders Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Practices Promote responsible data practices *Reworded for length Section 5: Business Strategy and Product Management Ethical sustainable product strategy Sustainability advocate Sustainability training Estimate environmental impact Define sustainability metrics Third-party business certifications Sustainability onboarding guidelines Support mandatory disclosures Create impact business models Product management strategy
- 50. UX Web dev Infrastructure Business Total 19 /21 20 / 20 11 / 12 10 / 27 49 / 70 Progress over Perfection
- 51. An accessible, legallycompliant site = Improved performance = A faster site = Good product management practices = less rework & maintenance CAD$ measurable user experience gains lower risk of lawsuit …and a smaller carbon footprint. Gains
- 53. “woke nonsense” Inclusive design Inclusion Accessibility Sustainability “goodbusiness” Usability Market Share SEO Efficiency
- 54. “woke nonsense” ALT Tags Assistivedevices Green hosting “good business” Even more SEO Gamepad compatibility Future proofing, resilience
- 55. Reasons to becheerful
- 56. % of adultswho are somewhat or very worried about global warming