A manifesto for energy-aware software

Abstract

According to recent estimates, computing and communications could account for 20% of energy usage globally by 2025.1 This trend shows no sign of slowing. The annual growth in power consumption of Internet-connected devices is 20%. Data centers alone are now accounting for more than 3% of global emissions. Even if you are not worried about this trend on the mega scale, you are likely concerned with the power consumption of the devices in your pocket, on your wrist, and in your ears. Software, hardware, and network attributes all contribute to power usage, but little attention has been given to this topic by the information and communications technology (ICT) community.