Software plays a critical role in our everyday lives. Nonetheless, inefficient software systems can lead to increases in energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions. Addressing this issue involves focusing on sustainable software engineering practices and improving code efficiency. Such measures can help reduce emissions, boost processing speeds and enhance the overall user experience.
Computer scientist Niklaus Wirth advocated for less complicated, more efficient code, as bulky codes are susceptible to harmful attacks and malfunctions. This notion is gradually gaining worldwide acceptance, with many tech companies now focusing on creating leaner and simpler coding structures. The European Union, for instance, is actively developing policy measures to promote code efficiency and improve cybersecurity.
Currently, many software developers create over-coded, complex applications for simple tasks due to a wide range of available resources. However, many industry pioneers argue that streamlined, well-organized code leads to more efficient software.
Enhancing sustainability through code efficiency
Clean and simple coding is not just beneficial for user experience, it also makes it easier for other developers to understand and maintain the code.
An illustration of minimalist coding is a 3-megabyte image-sharing app that operates as efficiently as competing apps with hundreds of megabytes of code. This app not only saves storage space but also avoids unnecessary complications associated with larger applications. In the digital age, such advancements could prioritize efficiency and environmental consciousness over complexity.
A 2018 study revealed that the IT and communications sectors contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions could increase dangerously by 2040, especially considering the growing popularity of AI applications with large computational needs. To curb these emissions, it’s crucial that technology-based emissions solutions, such as AI techniques in energy management systems, keep pace with these demands.
Organizations like the Green Web Foundation (GWF) are tackling the issue of emissions from software. Their goal is to achieve a fossil-free internet by 2030 through strategies like reducing energy usage and promoting the use of renewable resources. The foundation encourages businesses to choose ‘green’ options in their digital operations, including choosing hosting providers powered by renewable energy and opting for efficient hardware.
In today’s digital revolution, technology is both a part of the environmental problem and a critical part of the solution. As such, sustainable measures in software development are vital for achieving a balance between technological progress and environmental responsibility.
