Our fragile world and the world of technology are constantly evolving, and by necessity, so must our approach to building and managing software. A new but increasingly essential concept has entered the stage—green software. Far more than just a buzzword, it is a call to action as a part of our sustainable future.
At CamundaCon Berlin, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting a main-stage presentation by Sarah Hsu, author and course chair at GSF, who gave us some insight into the core principles of the Green Software Foundation and encouraged our audience to consider the simple steps towards environmentally conscious software practices.
From cars to code: A journey toward efficiency
During the Industrial Revolution, the assembly line transformed the relative chaos of early car factories into a symphony of efficiency. Fast forward over a century, and we find ourselves amidst another revolution—DevOps. It bridges the gap between development and operations, streamlining software delivery just as the assembly line did for cars.
But what about the environmental cost? As we innovate, for the sake of future generations, we must also consider our planet’s health. Sarah suggests that this is where Green Ops, an evolution of DevOps, steps in, extending the principles of efficient software delivery to prioritize sustainability and our environment.
What is green software?
Green software minimizes its carbon footprint. It’s built with an understanding that every line of code, server, device, and process has an environmental impact. The goal is to make software carbon efficient, use energy wisely, consider hardware’s embodied carbon in its creation and disposal, and align with clean energy availability.
The Green Software Foundation, in conjunction with The Linux Foundation, offers a structured approach to enlighten software professionals on the nuances of eco-friendly software creation. Participants can delve into the core tenets of sustainable software, further grasp and employ a common vocabulary and established terminology, and integrate the principles of environmentally conscious software into the crafting and engineering of their software solutions. Sarah explained this to our CammundaCon attendees in her presentation, which is well worth a look for further insight into the core concepts, considerations, and fundamental best practices.
Green ops: A solution for sustainable software delivery
Sarah explains how Green Ops offers a solution to integrate sustainability into the workflow of overstretched engineering teams. It encourages us to build robust, rapidly iterating, and environmentally friendly software. It focuses on proactive management, balancing sustainability with efficiency, optimizing cloud usage, and embedding eco-consciousness into daily operations.
Sustainability in software engineering is not an isolated concept. In her guest keynote, Sarah explains how it brings co-benefits that align with broader business goals. For instance, energy-efficient practices can lower operational costs, and secure processes can reduce the risk of downtime. Adopting green practices can lead to more efficient, cost-effective, and resilient systems.
Taking action: How we can make a difference
To implement green practices, Sarah suggests we begin with visibility into energy usage and resource consumption. Utilize auto-scaling to match demand, explore serverless architectures, and optimize processes through automation. Remember, the journey toward green software is a series of incremental steps that build upon each other.
To truly make a difference, consider joining organizations like the Green Software Foundation. Here’s how we can start making a difference today:
- Educate yourself and your team: Understanding the principles of green software is the first step to making an impact. Dive into the resources offered by the GSF, such as free online courses, and consider books like Sarah’s “Building Green Software” (by Sarah Hsu, Anne Currie, and Sara Bergman).
- Assess your current practices: Take a close look at your development and deployment processes. Where can you reduce waste? Can you optimize resource usage? Even small changes, like refining code or choosing energy-efficient hosting options, can lead to significant environmental benefits.
- Implement green ops principles: Integrate green practices into your DevOps culture. Adopt auto-scaling, explore serverless computing, and ensure that your infrastructure is as energy-efficient as possible. Encourage continuous learning and improvement with a focus on sustainability.
- Share your journey: As you make progress, share your experiences with the wider tech community. Whether it’s through blog posts, talks, or social media, spreading the word about green software practices can inspire others to follow suit.
- Collaborate and innovate: Join forces with other organizations and individuals passionate about green software. Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- Advocate for policy and change: Engage with policymakers and industry leaders to advocate for regulations and standards promoting tech sustainability. Your voice can influence the direction of the industry and lead to broader adoption of green software practices.
Looking ahead: The future of green software
As we look to the future, the importance of green software will only continue to grow and will be a critical part of every ESG report on every investor’s desk. With increasing awareness of climate change and its effects, the tech industry must rise to the challenge and become an advocate of sustainability. Sarah highlights that the future of green software is not just about mitigating environmental impact; it’s about creating a positive force for change, driving innovation, and opening up new opportunities for growth and development.
The GSF principles are more than guidelines; they are a roadmap to a better, more sustainable future. By following these principles, we can build software that meets today’s demands and preserves the planet for tomorrow.
Joining the movement: Your role in shaping the future
Whether you’re a developer, a manager, or a CTO, we all have a role to play in shaping a sustainable future. Join the Green Software Foundation, take the course, read the book, and start making changes in your organization. Now is the time to take action. Remember, every step towards sustainability is a step towards a healthier planet and a more resilient industry.
Consider attending presentations and workshops on green software in the spirit of collaboration and community. Engaging with thought leaders and experts can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your sustainability journey, and Sarah’s presentation is an excellent start. If you’re already a Camunda practitioner, you may like our article on the Camunda 8 Connector for Carbon-Aware Process Execution, further helping to reduce the environmental impact of business processes.
Be the change you want to see
The transition to green software is not just a technical challenge; it’s a growing moral imperative. As stewards of technology, we have the responsibility to ensure that our creations serve not only our immediate needs but also the long-term health of our environment.
Let’s build software that meets our needs and protects the environment. Together, we can craft a legacy that future generations will look back on with gratitude – a legacy of innovation, responsibility, and care for our shared home. Let’s commit to building a greener, brighter future, one line of code at a time.
Start the discussion at forum.camunda.io