Green Computing for Energy Transition: A Survey

The global information technology (IT) industry accounts for approximately 2% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the aviation industry's emissions. Moreover, IT energy consumption is projected to increase by 5% annually, and the industry is expected to consume 21% of the world's electricity by 2030. Therefore, there is a growing urgency to develop and implement sustainable computing practices that reduce energy consumption and mitigate the environmental impact of the computing industry. Green computing has emerged as a vital area of research due to the increasing demand for environmentally sustainable practices in the computing industry. To contribute to this dialogue, this paper presents a comprehensive survey of 74 articles related to green computing and its various subtopics, including sustainable practices, energy-efficient hardware design, software optimization, and the use of renewable energy sources. Additionally, the survey analyses the role of green algorithms in reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint in computing systems. The findings highlight the significance of adopting green computing practices to mitigate the adverse impact of computing on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation. Our survey underscores the growing interest in green computing, as evidenced by the increasing number of articles and research studies dedicated to this topic. Furthermore, our analysis of the existing literature highlights the need for further research in this area to develop more effective and sustainable solutions. In conclusion, the survey serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to understand the current state of research in green computing and to identify areas for future research. By promoting sustainable practices in the computing industry, we can contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future for our planet.