SDIA definition
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 Ayse Bener et al.’s definition of Green Software for the In the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
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’s definition of Green software;
As “green” has no specific definition, the term has so far mainly been used in marketing, which is why its use can be misleading. The SDIA’s definition of “green” in the context of Green Software, would be environmentally sustainable software. You can find our definition of sustainability here.
Other definitions
The Green Software Foundation defines green software as;
Green software is software that is responsible for emitting fewer greenhouse gases. (https://greensoftware.foundation/articles/what-is-green-software)
For more information on the Green Software Foundation visit: https://greensoftware.foundation
Related SDIA publications
If there is related SDIA publications, put them here (please only use SDIA website links or Notion links and do not upload or post documents here)
Related non-SDIA publications
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)