The SW4E ecosystem has published the results of its summer 2024 survey, aimed at understanding the role of sustainability in the software sector. The survey, which gathered insights from companies across the industry, highlights the growing importance of sustainability and the opportunities for improvement as customer demands evolve.
The survey found that companies view sustainability as a multi-dimensional issue, encompassing environmental, social, and economic factors. Internally, companies are focused on reducing energy consumption, improving code efficiency, and ensuring ethical governance. Externally, they recognize the role that software can play in broader societal initiatives, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting fair labor practices. As customer demand for sustainable software solutions grows, the survey highlights that 60% of respondents reported that customer requirements occasionally or significantly influence software development. Customers are increasingly requesting features such as energy-efficient software design, regulatory compliance, and accessibility for end users.
Despite the growing focus on sustainability, some challenges remain. Around 35% of respondents noted that while they recognize the importance of sustainability, they are still in the process of fully integrating it into their operations or products. Many companies are calling for increased collaboration across the industry to establish sustainability standards and share best practices. In response to this demand, the SW4E ecosystem plans to create more opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking, including events focused on sustainability in the software industry.
Looking ahead, respondents expect customer demand for sustainable software to increase significantly, with 2025 identified as a pivotal year for change. Many governmental and corporate clients are already prioritizing sustainability, and the public sector, in particular, is expected to ramp up its sustainability requirements for IT solutions. Finnish software companies are urged to collaborate and position themselves as leaders in sustainability as this trend continues to gain momentum.
The SW4E survey was conducted to explore key questions about the role of sustainability in the software industry. The primary goals were to understand how companies define and integrate sustainability into their operations, products, and services. The survey also aimed to identify how customer demand influences sustainable software development and to uncover opportunities for collaboration to drive progress. As part of its broader mission, the SW4E ecosystem is committed to supporting the software industry in accelerating its sustainability efforts and helping companies meet both national and global sustainability goals.
