Over 1,000 GitHub users surveyed highlight the need for tools and best practices to reduce software’s environmental footprint.

Developers are increasingly focused on the environmental impact of their work, with 80% of surveyed GitHub users expressing interest in tools to write more energy-efficient code, according to new research conducted by GitHub and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. The study, which surveyed 1,039 GitHub users in the U.S., underscores the growing demand for sustainable software practices amid rising concerns about climate change and AI’s energy consumption.

The survey reveals a clear appetite for actionable solutions: 78% of respondents want best practices to reduce software’s environmental footprint, while 74% seek methods to measure the impact of their code or development processes. Developers also showed interest in contributing to open-source sustainability projects, with 70% expressing willingness to participate.

Nearly 79% of those surveyed are worried about global warming, and 71% flagged concerns about the environmental impact of AI systems, including energy and water use as well as carbon emissions. This aligns with broader industry data showing the environmental toll of AI infrastructure. Recent disclosures from tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have revealed rising emissions and water consumption tied to AI expansion, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues at both the software and hardware levels.

While developers recognize the importance of reducing waste, only 10% believe their current practices have a significant impact on their personal environmental footprint. The gap lies in the lack of practical tools and clear metrics to guide efficiency improvements, a need highlighted in the survey’s open-ended responses.

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