Green Software
Green software is part of Green IT as it is an application that runs on information technology (IT).
For a clear definition, the SDIA follows the definition provided by Ayse Bener et al. for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Greening in software aims to reduce the environmental impact caused by the software itself. [...] Green specifications provide a way to indicate a service’s carbon footprint and eventually specify operational constraints to allow more flexibility during service provisioning. (Ayse Bener et al.,”Green Software,” p. 37 - 38).
The Green Software Foundation defines green software as follows:
Green software is software that is responsible for emitting fewer greenhouse gases.
For more contextual framework on Green software:
In “Green Software and Green Software Engineering – Definitions, Measurements, and Quality Aspects,” by Eva Kern et al. explain the promising nature of Green software:
Regarding Green IT, there are a lot of solutions to build and use hardware in a more energy efficient way. But the debate how energy-intensive software might be is just beginning. In contrast, Green by IT is often software-based, e.g. by tools that help to optimize logistics and automate processes to save energy. But until now there are no considerations about the energy saving potential of software itself. (p. 87)
