Sustainable software development lifecycle : a view on practices, stakeholders and organizational barriers

Abstract

Context: As software becomes more integral to daily life and business operations, its environmental impact is increasingly recognized. While the primary focus in software development has traditionally been on performance and functionality, understanding and mitigating the environmental footprint is now equally important. Goal: The primary goal of this research is to identify sustainability practices that can be effectively incorporated into the SDLC. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the key challenges hindering stakeholders from adopting and implementing these practices within organizations. Method: This study includes a mixed-method approach, a systematic literature review (SLR) and qualitative interviews conducted with 15 different stakeholders within Accenture and a major bank in the Netherlands. Result: The study provides valuable insights into the integration of sustainability practices within the software development life cycle. The research highlights the practical challenges, recommendations and benefits of implementing sustainable practices in real-world organizational settings. Conclusion: This study offers relevant insights into the challenges of integrating sustainability in the SDLC, providing practical guidance for organizations to enhance their efforts. These findings will guide future research and practical applications, helping organizations make informed decisions on sustainable practices.