Innovating for Tomorrow: The Convergence of SE and Green AI
Luís Cruz, Xavier Franch Gutierrez, Silverio Martínez-Fernández
TL;DR
This paper reflects on the impact of adopting environmentally friendly practices to create AI-enabled software systems and makes considerations on the environmental impact of using foundation models for software development.
Abstract
The latest advancements in machine learning, specifically in foundation models, are revolutionizing the frontiers of existing software engineering (SE) processes. This is a bi-directional phenomona, where 1) software systems are now challenged to provide AI-enabled features to their users, and 2) AI is used to automate tasks within the software development lifecycle. In an era where sustainability is a pressing societal concern, our community needs to adopt a long-term plan enabling a conscious transformation that aligns with environmental sustainability values. In this paper, we reflect on the impact of adopting environmentally friendly practices to create AI-enabled software systems and make considerations on the environmental impact of using foundation models for software development.