Definition for 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 Ayse Bener et al.’s definition of Green Software for 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.

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