Requirements Study for a Professional Green Coding Course Format

Abstract

Although Green Coding (GC) is increasingly discussed in academia and, to some extent, within the industrial sector, it has not yet become a standard part of software development across the ITindustry. GC focuses on reducing the environmental impact of software throughout its lifecycle, fromproduction to use and disposal. To achieve this, it is essential to integrate GC knowledge and practicesinto the software development process. Previous work has explored integration into academic curriculaand how junior developers can introduce this knowledge into the industry. In contrast, this studyfocuses on bringing GC knowledge directly into the industrial environment, addressing key challengesand discussing suitable training formats. The methodology applied was a semi-structured expert interview conducted in the form of a focus group during a workshop at EnviroInfo 2024 at the GUC in Cairo. The expert workshop revealed that the successful adoption of Green Coding depends on its integration into existing software development processes, tools, and training structures. Among various strategiesdiscussed, training emerged as a central success factor. In-house training was considered the mosteffectie format, as it enabled interactive learning, peer exchange, and a stronger commitment tobehavioral change. Professional gatherings and workshops also play a crucial role in fostering expertexchange and continuous knowledge transfer. While online courses and webinars offe scalability,they were perceived as less impactful unless combined with certificatio or interactive components.Certificates particularly those recognized by industry, were viewed as valuable incentives that couldincrease the perceived relevance of GC skills in the job market. However, their success depends onthe recognition and integration of the broader market into recruitment practices. The integrationof GC topics into academic curricula and technical training programs, either as standalone coursesor embedded content, was highlighted as an essential long-term measure. Participants emphasizedthe need for regular updates to the content of GC training, ideally driven by expert communities,conferences, and changes in development frameworks. Overall, the workshop participants advocatedfor a flxible, multi-format training strategy. Combining in-house workshops, formal certificationacademic courses, and integration into daily tools and processes ensures that GC knowledge reachesboth current professionals and future developers. Training must be practical, context-sensitive, andregularly updated to remain effectie and support a sustainable transformation in the software industry.