Mini Review

Recent Trends in Green Computing and Sustainable Initiative for IT Operations

Anayo Chukwu Ikegwu^1* and Okike Reuben²

¹Software Engineering Department, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

²Computer Science Department, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

Submission: August 22, 2024;Published: September 20, 2024

*Corresponding author: Anayo Chukwu Ikegwu, Software Engineering Department, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

How to cite this article: Anayo Chukwu I, Okike R. Recent Trends in Green Computing and Sustainable Initiative for IT Operations. Trends Tech Sci Res. 2024; 7(2): 555709. DOI: 10.19080/TTSR.2024.07.555709

Abstract

Green computing has become critical in the information technology (IT) sector due to escalating concerns about environmental sustainability. This paper offers a thorough examination of green computing principles, practices, challenges, and opportunities, leveraging recent literature and case studies. It delves into green computing within the framework of circular economy principles, emphasizing resource conservation, waste minimization, and sustainable design. Key components such as green data centers, power management, software optimization, and sustainable IT policies are scrutinized for their role in curbing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Case studies from Dubai and institutions like the United Arab Emirates University illustrate successful green computing implementations, showcasing potential environmental and economic benefits. Despite notable opportunities, challenges like financial barriers, technological complexities, and organizational constraints impede widespread adoption. Thus, emerging trends such as virtualization, IoT integration, and regulatory initiatives portend a promising future for green computing, fostering sustainable development in the IT sector.

Keywords: Green Computing; Sustainable Initiative; Energy Efficiency; Green Data Center; Green Cloud Computing

Abbreviations: EPEAT: Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, DVFS: Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling, DVS: Dynamic Voltage Scaling, DPM: Dynamic Power Management, DFS: Dynamic Frequency Scaling, COTS: Commercial Off-the-Shelf, GPU: Graphics Processing Units, SoC: Systems on Chip, GCC: Green Cloud Computing, ACPI: Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, WEEE: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, RoH: Restriction of Hazardous.

Introduction

The rapid advancement of information technology (IT) has led to prominent innovation and social progress, but there are also environmental issues. Green computing is becoming more important due to the rise in demand for energy usage, computer power, and electronic waste Nyabuto [1]. By reducing resource consumption, maximizing energy efficiency and encouraging appropriate disposal practices, green computing seeks to decrease the IT operation’s impact on the environment [2]. This paper explores recent trends in green computing and sustainable initiatives in IT operations, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges of promoting environmental sustainability within the IT domain.

Statement of the Problem

The rapid expansion of IT infrastructure has led to increased energy usage, resource depletion, and electronic waste generation. Organizations must balance IT’s capabilities with sustainability. Factors like inefficient energy usage, resource-heavy manufacturing, and lack of sustainability measures complicate the issue. Despite recognition, many organizations struggle to implement significant transformations due to financial constraints, technological restrictions, and regulatory lack. A comprehensive strategy involving technological advancements, policy adjustments, and stakeholder collaboration is needed.

Significance of Reviewing Recent Trends

Reviewing recent trends in green computing and sustainable initiatives for IT operations is valuable in empowering stakeholders to keep track of emerging technologies and methodologies, facilitating adaptable approaches for environmental sustainability, informing policymakers on regulatory effectiveness, and holding significant global implications for climate change mitigation, resource conservation, and pollution reduction.

Contribution to Knowledge

This research paper contributes to knowledge by: Reviewing the current state of industry and market trends, as well as the environmental impact of green computing and sustainable IT, providing insights into the existing landscape and informing stakeholders about the environmental implications of IT practices. Also, pinpointing barriers and challenges that hinder the perversive implementation of green computing practices, offering an understanding of the impediments that need to be resolved to promote sustainable IT solutions effectively. More so, proposing recommendations and strategies for promoting sustainability in IT operations and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, providing actionable insights for organizations to implement green computing practices and integrate environmental considerations into their operations.

Green Computing and Sustainability Efforts in the IT Industry

The Energy Star Program, launched in 1992 by the EPA, has the sole aim of promoting energy efficiency in the IT sector. The program, which includes sleep mode features, has sparked initiatives to develop green computing techniques. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) was enacted to assess products’ performance standards, including energy use, materials and greenhouse gas emissions, longevity and end-of-life care. The introduction of cloud computing has shifted the focus from speed and smaller devices to efficiency and sustainability. Projects like the SPECPower and Green500 aim to improve green computing standards and sustainability indicators [3]. Green computing is the design, production, usage, and disposal of technology to minimize environmental impact. It signifies the reduction of energy use and carbon emissions from manufacturers, data centers, and end users. Sustainable computing tends to lower the ICT sector’s energy usage and carbon emissions, which account for 1.8% to 3.9% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The industry involves a wide range of decisions, from reducing energy consumption in large data centers to avoiding screen savers. The green IT services market is projected to reach USD 34.83 billion with a CAGR of 12.4% [4,5].

Key Concepts for Green Computing and Sustainable Initiatives for IT Operations

In this section, we discussed green computing and energy efficiency for effective sustainability development.

Green Computing and Energy Efficiency: Sustainable computing aims to reduce the environmental impacts of IT technology by focusing on energy efficiency and green computing. This methodology reduces carbon footprint and electronic waste while reducing energy consumption and preserving natural resources [6]. Businesses can equally leverage energy-efficient practices like power management and dynamic voltage scaling. As customers become more aware of corporate social responsibility, adopting green computing policies can help companies meet these expectations and differentiate themselves from competitors [7]. The Global Green IT Services Market Valu (US$ Bn) Analysis and Forecast, 2017-2030 is presented in Figure 1.

Energy- Efficient and Resource Algorithm Optimization: Energy efficiency can be increased by optimizing computer systems using strategies like power-aware routing, job scheduling, and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) [8]. Click or tap here to enter text.. These algorithms lower computational complexity, data movement, and idle time, ensuring optimal  performance. Resource optimization is of utmost importance in green computing and sustainable IT operations for reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Dynamic resource allocation, virtualization technologies, energy-efficient hardware and cloud computing can optimize resource utilization. In addition, green software development and lifecycle management practices support resource utilization. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of usage and performance metrics helps identify optimization opportunities. Adopting these strategies can lead to environmental sustainability in IT operations, energy efficiency and cost reduction [9,10].

Environmental Impact Reduction: Green coding is a green computing practice aimed at reducing technology’s environmental impact by reducing carbon emissions from resource-intensive processes. It is a sustainable approach to reducing energy consumption in code processing lines, helping organizations meet climate change targets and regulatory requirements [11]. Emerging Technologies and Methodologies for Achieving Sustainability Goals. Energy-Efficient Hardware and Dynamic Voltage Scaling. Many architectures use energy-saving strategies to reduce energy consumption, including dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), dynamic voltage scaling (DVS), dynamic power management (DPM) and dynamic frequency scaling (DFS). Excellent performance-per-watt ratios are available with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) low-power devices like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Systems on Chip (SoC) designs, but they need careful programming and optimization [12]. System-on-a-chip (SoC) offers an attractive alternative for industrial and scientific uses, providing increasing computational power at low power and cost. Mont-Blanc’s 2011 project aims to develop a low-power European CPU for Exascale computing, focusing on high performance and energy efficiency. The project collaborates with ExaNoDe and other EU-funded initiatives to achieve low-power, affordable computing techniques. The most promising strategy is heterogeneity, which combines GPUs, FPGAs, and CPUs into a single platform [13].

1.1.1 Cloud Computing: Green Cloud Computing (GCC) tends to lower the environmental adverse effects of cloud computing through the use of energy-efficient and sustainable techniques. The high rise in the use of CC has led to concerns about its impact on the environment. GCC addresses resource preservation, power management, energy consumption, server virtualization and CO2 emissions. Research focus has been on optimization algorithms, virtual machine migration algorithms and energy-efficient hybrid frameworks. Employing sources of task scheduling algorithms, power management techniques, server virtualization, renewable energy to power data centers, cooling systems and Modeling frameworks are important subjects [14,15].

Circular Economy Principles: Bressanelli et al. [16], argued that a circular economy maximizes resource value while minimizing waste and environmental harm. Green computing aligns with this principle through sustainable design and production, reducing demand for new devices and reducing electronic waste generation. [17] highlights the importance of responsible disposal and recycling practices in the circular economy model. In this, the author iterates that refurbished technology contributes to the circular economy by providing cost-effective solutions and reducing energy consumption. Also, cagno et al. [18], opined that  green computing promotes sustainable development by reducing energy consumption, mitigating carbon emissions, and promoting circular economy practices. The Circular Economy Principle is shown in Figure 2.

Green Data Centers and Infrastructure

Green Data Centers (GDCs) are proposed to curtail energy consumption and environmental impact. They make use of server virtualization to partition a single physical server into multiple virtual servers, resulting in energy savings of at least 50% [19]. Power management technologies, such as renewable energy sources and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, help reduce energy consumption and support environmental initiatives. Recent developments in GDCs include server virtualization, cooling system development, algorithm development and green architecture [20]. Nature-based cooling systems offer a more energy-efficient alternative to conventional systems, addressing overheating concerns while minimizing energy demands. Green data centers also focus on network power conservation, optimizing ventilation, online monitoring, energy-efficient construction and implementing live virtual machine migration. Assessing the architecture is very important for its effectiveness, with simulators being used to evaluate energy consumption, performance and overall effectiveness. Also, a critical aspect of achieving a GDC is efficient storage space utilization [21].

Energy-Efficient Computing Practices

There are many energy-efficient computing practices which are discussed briefly.

Server Consolidation

Uddin et al. [22], posit that server consolidation is a process involving merging multiple servers into a single, robust server cluster, can improve cloud computing efficiency and cost-effectiveness by optimizing resource use, reducing physical server management, and reducing costs.

Power Management

The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) is a recent power control standard that manages power-saving aspects in computer hardware systems. It automates power off or hibernates components, and manual under volting, a method of reducing heat production, is also available through programs like Intel’s “Speed Step” and AMD’s “Power Now” [23].

The Role of Software Optimization and Algorithmic Efficiency in Reducing Energy Consumption

Energy is used by hardware, but it is managed by software. An open-source web tool called Compiler Explorer makes it possible to interactively watch the generation of compiler code and provides helpful data for power usage calculations. Profiling is crucial for energy-efficient behavior, and the Performance API (PAPI) analysis library is a popular tool for profiling. PAPI helps developers understand the correlation between processor events and software performance, measuring and reporting energy and power values on intricate architectures [24].

Sustainable Policies and Governance

EPEAT is an electronic product assessment tool developed by the Green Electronics Council that helps customers choose electronic devices based on their environmental performance. It assigns a bronze, silver or gold designation to products based on their performance in eight areas: energy efficiency, material selection, product durability, the reduction of environmentally sensitive materials, corporate sustainability, end-of-life management and packaging. EPEAT recognizes eco-friendly devices from key manufacturers and has been incorporated into computer contracts awarded by US government organizations and private businesses. Also, the Energy Star 4.0 standard, launched recently, sets power consumption recommendations for idle, sleep, and standby modes across various devices, ensuring energy conservation in all operating modes. It now covers idle mode, requiring OEMs to teach consumers efficient power management techniques. In addition, the Restriction of Hazardous (RoHs) compounds aims to limit the presence of hazardous compounds in new devices in the European Union while the 2003 European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) mandates manufacturers to manage electrical and electronic waste, promoting environmentally-friendly product design and minimizing waste. Manufacturers must register and participate in compliance programs, with potential legal penalties [25].

Green Procurement Policies

According to Overvest [26], the method of buying products and services that have least possible adverse environmental impact while taking public health issues into consideration is termed “green procurement.” The author affirmed that green procurement policies aim to achieve environmentally friendly outcomes by reducing environmental impacts, ensuring value for money and balancing procurement priorities. Green procurement offers environmental advantages, social impacts and economic benefits. In addition, it promotes sustainability, reduces supply chain disruptions and decreases carbon footprint. It also contributes to public health, supports businesses and communities and enhances brand reputation.

Challenges and Opportunities

Green IT implementation faces organizational, technological and financial barriers. Financial costs, such as smart grid technology installation and operation, are significant. Technological challenges include infrastructure deficiencies, complexity, and perceived expenses. Organizational challenges include lack of knowledge and technical skills, while firm size plays an important role in adoption. Larger firms have a more sophisticated understanding  of technical features but may experience structural inertia, while smaller businesses are more inventive [27]. However, Ace Cloud Hosting [28], pointed out that green computing offers a lot of opportunities which can be in terms of cost savings and CSR. Green computing helps in efficient resource utilization, minimizing waste and reducing costs associated with energy use, recycling, upkeep, management and disposal. It also promotes environmental sustainability through reducing the negative effects of product manufacturing, use, designing, manufacturing and disposal strategies. This approach can enhance brand awareness, customer loyalty, and competitiveness. Moreover, green IT also assists businesses meet regulatory and compliance requirements by making provision for eco-conscious products or services. Risk management is decisive for organizations, as practices against the environment can damage their reputation quickly [29-33].

Emerging Trends and Future Directions

Green computing is a rapidly growing field focusing on environmentally sustainable practices in computing and information technology. It is focusing on sustainable cloud computing, green data centers, and virtualization of data center resources. It also centers on the incorporation of renewable energy sources into cloud infrastructure, the development of effective algorithms and exploring innovative cooling technologies. Equally, IoT will play a significant role in green IoT, majoring on creating sustainable, interconnected and energy-efficient solutions that incorporate multiple devices and platforms. Green procurement will be a key area of focus, concentrating on assessing the environmental implications of developing and offerings tools to facilitate sustainable procurement choices. Similarly, the fundamental goal of green education is to create accessible and interesting learning materials for a wide range of students by utilizing augmented and virtual reality technologies. Smart grid technology will prioritize enhancing the security and resilience of the electrical power grid while integrating sustainable sources of energy. In the quest to support grid optimization and sustainability, this includes developing control algorithms, monitoring systems, energy storage options, and systems for managing demand that dynamically adjust energy consumption to reflect shifts in supply and demand.

Conclusion

This review underscores the importance of green computing practices in a circular economy, emphasizing resource conservation, sustainable design and waste minimization. Green data centers decrease environmental impact and promote efficiency of energy in the IT sector through technologies like cooling systems and server virtualization. Algorithmic efficiency and software optimization can also lead to significant energy savings. Policies and governance for IT sustainability, such as EPEAT certification and Energy Star standards, encourage manufacturers to embrace environmentally friendly products. Case studies from regions like Dubai and the UAE University demonstrate the successful implementation of green computing practices. Future research will focus on enhancing energy efficiency, incorporating sustainable energy sources, and optimizing resource utilization through technologies like virtualization and IoT. Green computing requires organizations to implement awareness, invest in sustainable technologies, and training programs and collaborate with industry stakeholders. This involves forming partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance and sharing knowledge. Continuous improvement and innovation in green computing technologies are necessary to address environmental concerns effectively. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of green initiatives is crucial for assessing effectiveness. Community engagement and corporate social responsibility efforts can enhance brand reputation and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. Green computing and sustainability in the IT sector are crucial for addressing environmental concerns, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting resource conservation. Initiatives like virtualization and renewable energy integration can improve energy efficiency. Challenges include financial barriers, technological complexities, and organizational constraints. Opportunities include cost savings, improved resource utilization, corporate image enhancement, and regulatory compliance. Future research will focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy integration.

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