Developer Views on Software Carbon Footprint and Its Potential for Automated Reduction

Reducing software carbon footprint could contribute to efforts to avert climate change. Past research indicates that developers lack knowledge on energy consumption and carbon footprint, and existing reduction guidelines are difficult to apply. Therefore, we propose that automated reduction methods should be explored, e.g., through genetic improvement. However, such tools must be voluntarily adopted and regularly used to have an impact. In this study, we have conducted interviews and a survey (a) to explore developers’ existing opinions, knowledge, and practices with regard to carbon footprint and energy consumption, and (b), to identify the requirements that automated reduction tools must meet to ensure adoption. Our findings offer a foundation for future research on practices, guidelines, and automated tools that address software carbon footprint.