Green software development using Carbon-Aware Scheduling techniques and energy efficiency metrics throughout the SDLC

Mikita Piastou

Authors

Mikita Piastou University of West Georgia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7360-2152

Keywords:

green development, software, application development, carbon pollution

Abstract

The objective of the present paper is to systematize contemporary approaches of green software development through the prism of carbon-aware scheduling methodologies and energy efficiency metrics at all stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC). The study will analyze English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025. The following four carbon-intensive scheduling strategies have been identified: temporal task shifting, geographic load migration, electricity price consideration, and dynamic resource scaling. Experimental data indicates the potential for a 30–70% reduction in the carbon footprint of applications, with only a moderate impact on latency and cost. The metrics employed for evaluating energy efficiency span from low-level measures such as code complexity and measured power consumption to higher-level metrics addressing infrastructure and integration. It has been established that disregarding the initial phases of the SDLC results in an underestimation of the aggregate carbon footprint. The analysis showed that cutting emissions can conflict with maintaining high service quality. It also highlighted problems with standardizing metrics and ensuring accurate carbon-intensity forecasts, especially when significant task shifting is involved. Further unification of metrics, integration of energy monitoring at all stages of the SDLC, and consideration of economic factors are recommended.

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Author Biography

Mikita Piastou, University of West Georgia

Mikita Piastou is a senior full-stack software engineer with over eight years of experience in the technology industry, specializing in both data and software development. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of West Georgia and has contributed to several publications on artificial intelligence, software development, and broader computer science topics. Throughout his career, Mikita has designed, implemented, and maintained highly scalable and reliable software solutions, integrated cutting-edge AI technologies, and optimized complex data systems for various organizations across multiple sectors. He is also a member of IEEE, actively engaging with the professional community. Beyond his technical expertise, he serves as a judge in hackathons and provides guidance to fellow developers. Outside of work, he enjoys keeping up with the latest technology trends, experimenting with new programming frameworks, working on creative side projects that contribute to the advancement of society, and exploring entrepreneurship through startup competitions and collaborative innovation ventures.

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