Monday, 7 July 2025
27.5 C
Singapore
29.1 C
Thailand
19 C
Indonesia
28.9 C
Philippines

Microsoft and IMDA launch guidelines to foster eco-friendly software development

Microsoft and IMDA launch guidelines to drive green software development, outlining carbon-cutting design strategies and practical advice for developers.

On Tuesday, October 3, Microsoft, in collaboration with Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), revealed a new set of digital sustainability guidelines. This initiative aims to “accelerate education and awareness among businesses and developers.”

The guidelines were crafted with the backing of the Green Software Foundation (GSF). They elucidate the connections between hardware and software regarding sustainability principles and measurements, as highlighted by Microsoft.

The guidelines offer clear advice on “incorporating energy efficiency, carbon awareness, and hardware efficiency into software engineering and development processes.” Microsoft points out that adhering to these principles ensures that the developed applications and solutions are energy-efficient and carbon-aware from the outset.

Emphasis on carbon-efficient software

The guidelines underscore that sustainable software is “carbon-efficient”. This implies it releases the minimum carbon possible owing to its design, code, architecture, and other deliberate decisions. The guidelines mention that such applications usually cost less to operate, exhibit better performance, are more resilient, and are better optimised while having a favourable environmental impact.

Three pivotal principles underline the reduction of carbon emissions in software: energy efficiency, carbon awareness, and hardware efficiency. The guidelines provide insight for developers to comprehend the carbon emissions footprint of their software through the Software Carbon Intensity (SCI) specification, an approach formulated by GSF.

Recommendations and the road ahead

Moreover, the guidelines extend a series of recommendations for developers. These encompass utilising tools to gauge software carbon emissions, curtailing resource consumption, and opting for renewable energy. They also advocate the use of open-source software and the preference for cloud-based solutions.

Jeth Lee, Chief Legal Officer of Microsoft Singapore, shared that the guidelines mirror a collective ambition to influence the environment positively. “Providing developers with practical means of tracking and reporting emissions ensures that we are not merely harbouring sustainability as an ambition but are earnestly striving towards our net-zero targets,” he remarked.

Similarly, Chee Wei Nga, Director for the Emerging Technology Office of the Biztech Group at IMDA, conveyed that introducing these guidelines will significantly contribute to Singapore’s journey in evolving into a prime digital sustainability hub in the region. Chee pledged that IMDA, along with partners like Microsoft and Green Software Foundation, will persist in enabling developers and businesses to grasp the concepts of energy efficiency, carbon awareness, and green software development, fostering a positive environmental change locally and globally.

The principles outlined in these guidelines were also tested during the Singapore GreenTech Challenge held in April, where developers collaborated to create carbon-efficient solutions.

Hot this week

Secretlab teams up with Genshin Impact for first Liyue-inspired chair and desk collection

Secretlab reveals its first Genshin Impact collection, which includes Liyue-themed chairs and a desk inspired by Xiao, Ningguang, and the Lantern Rite.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review: Rugged performance meets refined control

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro delivers 4K HDR video, 40MP photos, and OLED dual screens in a rugged design built for creators in extreme environments.

Infold Games launches Love and Deepspace pop-up exhibition at Resorts World Sentosa

Infold Games brings the first Love and Deepspace pop-up exhibition to Singapore from 18 to 31 July at Resorts World Sentosa.

Google lets you share smart home access more easily with family and kids

Google Home lets you easily assign Admin or Member roles, even for kids under 13, to manage your smart home access better.

SBF and CapitaLand Investment unite business leaders to reaffirm support for national defence on SAF Day

SBF and CapitaLand Investment host SAF Day event, reaffirming business community’s commitment to national defence and support for NSmen.

vivo introduces X200 FE, its first compact telephoto flagship smartphone

vivo launches the X200 FE in Singapore, a compact flagship with telephoto imaging, ZEISS optics, and powerful performance in a lightweight body.

Microsoft to exit Pakistan after 25 years, shifting to reseller model

Microsoft ends its 25-year presence in Pakistan, shifting to a reseller model amid global cuts and broader industry challenges.

China’s smartphone shipments fall 21.8% in May, marking the sharpest 2025 decline yet

China’s smartphone market declined 21.8% in May 2025, with local brands taking the hardest hit amid fewer new launches and shifting buyer habits.

Resident Evil expands to mobile with new strategy game ‘Survival Unit’

Resident Evil goes mobile with Survival Unit, a new strategy game for iOS and Android set to be revealed on July 10.

Related Articles

Popular Categories