Putting green software principles into practice

TL;DR

This paper shares practical experiences and principles for implementing green software in real-world cloud-based systems, emphasizing cost-driven efficiency improvements and sustainable practices.

Contribution

It provides a case study of applying green software principles to a live cloud product, demonstrating practical solutions and effective strategies.

Findings

Serverless systems can enhance efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

Cost implications can effectively drive green software practices.

Practical principles for green software implementation are identified.

Abstract

The need and theoretical methods for measuring and reducing CO2 emitted by computing systems are well understood, but real-world examples are still limited. We describe a journey towards green software for a live product running on a public cloud. We discuss practical solutions found, in particular using the cost implications of serverless systems to drive efficiency. We end with some `green software' principles that worked well in this project.