DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the incorporation of sustainability principles into Software Requirements Engineering (SRE), evaluate current sustainability practices in software development among professionals, and identify key factors and effective practices for implementing sustainable SRE.

Methodology

An online survey was conducted using self-developed questionnaires distributed via Google Forms. The questionnaire comprised two sections: demographic information and 20 Likert scale questions assessing the importance of integrating various sustainability practices into SRE. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 108 software industry professionals in Pakistan.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Develop Questionnaire] --> B[Distribute Questionnaire via Google Forms];
    B --> C[Collect Responses];
    C --> D[Analyze Demographic Data];
    C --> E[Analyze Sustainability Practice Responses];
    D --> F[Present Respondent Demographics];
    E --> G[Identify Top Sustainability Practices];
    F --> H[Discussion];
    G --> H;
    H --> I[Formulate Conclusions and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

The integration of sustainability into SRE enhances environmental sustainability and supports Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives. Key practices include stakeholder involvement, prioritizing energy-efficient algorithms, continuous improvement, financial incentives, clear guidelines for environmental impact evaluation, resource consumption minimization, regular audits, training programs, renewable energy prioritization, and performance monitoring.

Key Findings

Active stakeholder engagement, the use of energy-efficient algorithms, and continuous improvement procedures are crucial for sustainable SRE. Financial incentives and well-defined criteria for evaluating environmental impact are significant factors. Recommended practices for integration include audits, training programs, and the adoption of renewable energy practices.

Conclusion

Incorporating sustainability into SRE is vital for addressing environmental, social, and economic issues in the digital realm. Practices such as stakeholder engagement, energy efficiency, continuous improvement, financial incentives, clear guidelines, resource conservation, audits, and training are essential. This approach not only ensures compliance but also positions organizations as responsible and sustainable producers of high-quality software, contributing to global climate goals.

Fact Check

- Data centers consumed approximately 200 TWh of electricity in 2020, accounting for 1% of the world's total electricity consumption (IEA, 2020).
- A total of 108 responses were received for the survey.
- The top-ranked sustainability practice identified was active stakeholder involvement in discussions regarding the environmental benefits of proposed software requirements.

Mind Map