Architecting for Sustainability
Status:: π©
Links:: Software Architecture Sustainability
Metadata
Authors:: Lago, Patricia; Greefhorst, Danny; Woods, Eoin
Title:: Architecting for Sustainability
Date:: 2022
Publisher:: Gesellschaft fΓΌr Informatik e.V.
URL:: http://dl.gi.de/handle/20.500.12116/39397
DOI::
Lago, P., Greefhorst, D., & Woods, E. (2022). Architecting for Sustainability. http://dl.gi.de/handle/20.500.12116/39397
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic. Information Technology (IT) is an important factor for sustainability; it consumes a substantial, and growing, part of the world supply of energy, but it can also enable significant insights and improvements related to sustainability. These factors need to be taken into account in the design of IT systems, meaning that we need to architect for sustainability. This paper provides insights into the experience and beliefs of IT practitioners and researchers into current and desired practices of architecting for sustainability. It reports on the results of three workshop sessions with practitioners and researchers, providing insight into the state of research and practice.
Notes & Annotations
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π Annotations (imported on 2024-03-08#08:10:54)
It appears that practitioners are personally motivated to strive for sustainability and see that they can show leadership by incorporating sustainability in design. In contrast, the organisations that they work for seem to be less motivated, often prioritising bottom-line financial results over sustainability. More senior management focus on sustainability is needed, along with concrete objectives for sustainability and governance of the results.
Open research questions (4 out of 9):
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New architectural paradigms (for sustainable architecture)
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How to make (the) sustainability impact of architectural decisions visible?
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How to trade-off different sustainability dimensions and aspects?
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(Creating) metrics and associated tools for sustainability assessment
These research questions reveal that there are some fundamental aspects of this topic which still need investigation but that there is also a need for practical guidance and assistance for those trying to improve the sustainability of their software through software architecture
From this work we conclude that sustainability requires contributions and commitment on all levels, from senior management to practitioners to research and education.