This study identified starting points for greater efficiency not in hardware, but in software. The study discussed possible solutions for an operationalisable assessment of "green" software. The study also showed how effective incentives could be created to actually make ICT systems more resource-efficient at the software level. This is because computer programmes have a considerable influence on the energy consumption of devices. According to an estimate by the Green IT Alliance, 10 to 20 per cent of the total power consumption of information and communication technology could be saved through more efficient programming alone. This potential saving is equivalent to the annual output of four medium-sized coal-fired power stations.

This project was a sub-project of the overall project: "Identification and development of the environmental protection potential of information and communication technology".

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