Coding for sustainability? Investigating how sustainable practices emerge in software development

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates the adoption of sustainable practices in software development through a mixed-method approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses. Grounded in the best practices proposed by the Green Software Foundation (GSF), a research instrument was developed to assess professionals’ perceptions and the extent of sustainability adoption in different software development contexts. The quantitative analysis suggested a moderate level of maturity, with greater adherence to practices related to data reduction and code optimization, but limited attention to energy monitoring and adaptive mechanisms. Complementary interviews reinforced the influence of cultural, organizational, and governance-related factors that hinder systemic adoption. As an illustrative complement, a small set of five blockchain-based software projects was examined to observe how energy measurement mechanisms, resource optimization strategies, and adaptability to diverse infrastructures appear at the artifact level. This component is exploratory and is not intended as a primary evidentiary pillar. Consistent with the survey and interviews, it suggests that energy efficiency tends to remain a secondary concern, often addressed indirectly through performance optimization rather than as a core sustainability goal. Overall, the research contributes to the understanding of sustainable software engineering by linking energy efficiency, governance, and organizational practices within an integrated analytical perspective.