Client
ECO-St is an environmental retail store which sells eco-friendly products both online and in their stores.
ECO-St required an influential web presence to encourage people to change their everyday life and make a combined difference to the climate. An e-commerce section was vital to relay the message, so consumers could purchase these eco-friendly tools.
The site needed a clean, eco-friendly feel with clear navigation and a variety of prompts to lead users to key areas within the site. Interactive elements including online video and radio interviews were important marketing tools within the site.
ECO-St's first shop opened in Oxfordshire in May 2007 with the aim of opening another 99 nationally over the next 3 years.
Requirements
ECO-St required a secure web presence to relay their ethos and environmental message as well to offer tips, ideas and inspiration to become more eco-friendly. The site needed a content managed, back-end database for an online bulb calculator and light bulb library.
The website aimed to demonstrate ECO-St’s services, attract future customers and communicate up-to-date, relevant information on environmental issues.
Issues
The growing number of eco-friendly sites meant ECO-St. needed to stand out and say something different. This could be done through a combination of design, interactive elements, content and user appeal.
The online bulb calculator needed to collate a lot of information and display accurate results while still retaining its user-friendly approach.
Result
The site focussed on introducing and promoting the ECO-St brand, its ethos and beliefs as well as providing interaction for users to:
- Find eco-friendly information specific to their environment
- Access support and advice for their own lifestyle
- Calculate the carbon emissions omitted from bulbs within their home
- Get a full understanding of ECO-St’s messages through radio interviews and video footage
A key component within the site was its household lightbulb audit. By entering bulb usage, wattage and fitting type the user can quickly see energy saving equivalents and cost savings over the year – as well as the CO2 emissions saved.
The interactive element which provided relevant, user-centric information gave users a reason to return. Users could also save their calculator results and access them at an ECO-St shop, where they can purchase the goods.
Testimonial
“ECO-St maintains its ongoing relationship with MDB Consulting as they have provided a good, efficient and friendly service for our web needs.”
Jill Holmes
Partner, ECO-St