Sustainable Information Technology Research Articles

Sustainable IT practices in Nigerian banking: Environmental perspectives review

This review paper aims to critically analyze sustainable information technology (IT) practices in the Nigerian banking sector, focusing on environmental perspectives. The primary objective is to identify and evaluate the extent to which Nigerian banks have integrated sustainable IT practices and the impact of these practices on environmental sustainability. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, including academic journals, industry reports, and case studies, to gather insights into the current state of sustainable IT in Nigerian banking. Key findings reveal that while some Nigerian banks have begun to adopt green IT initiatives, such as paperless operations, energy-efficient data centers, and electronic banking services, the overall adoption rate is relatively low compared to global standards. The study identifies barriers to adoption, including lack of awareness, limited regulatory frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the paper highlights the potential benefits of sustainable IT practices, such as reduced carbon footprint, operational cost savings, and enhanced corporate reputation. The paper concludes that for Nigerian banks to fully embrace sustainable IT practices, there needs to be a concerted effort involving policy formulation, awareness campaigns, and investment in green technologies. It recommends that stakeholders, including government, regulatory bodies, and the banks themselves, collaborate to create an enabling environment for sustainable IT. This review contributes to the understanding of sustainable IT in the Nigerian banking sector and provides a foundation for future research and policy development in this area.

The disciplinary matrix of applied arts and artistic cultures

AbstractApplied arts and artistic cultures are taught in vocational high schools, in France, with the aim of developing civic and social skills in students, which are cross‐cutting or generic. To achieve this, this design education revolves around the creation and conception of artefacts. This article explores epistemological issues relating to the role and nature of design education in vocational high schools. Following Kuhn, it proposes a disciplinary matrix of the subject, characterized by objects, knowledge (declarative and procedural) and a set of tasks. These different components make it possible to present a curricular analysis grid of design education in vocational high schools over the past 30 years. This reveals a curriculum development correlated to the evolution of design as an involved social practice. Additionally, the integration of Mitcham's technological manifestations framework enriches this analysis, offering a more comprehensive perspective on the role of technology in design education. This approach indeed clarifies what needs to be taught, fosters the evolution of teaching methods and incorporates new elements such as sustainable development, the environment, collaboration and information technologies. These adjustments reflect changes in professional practices and contribute to civic education in the context of sustainability and ethical challenges. This article makes a significant contribution to debates on the epistemological basis for design education, in France and beyond.

A holistic approach to environmentally sustainable computing

AbstractPlacing sustainability at the core of computing practices, the industry is poised to pioneer positive changes and create a cleaner and more sustainable world for future generations. The environmentally sustainable computing (ESC) framework is introduced in this paper as an innovative solution to revolutionize sustainability practices across various computing domains and cover multiple aspects of sustainable information technology (IT). The ESC framework includes the entire lifecycle of computing systems, including critical stages such as design, development, monitoring, refactoring, and regulatory compliance. Through the adoption of the ESC framework, academia and industry stakeholders can gain a powerful tool to evaluate and measure sustainability factors across different computing domains and can integrate eco-friendly computing principles and patterns throughout their products and services. This can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while complying with environmental regulations. In addition to presenting the ESC framework, the paper showcases real-world use cases. The first involves a leading Italian bank, emphasizing the significance of monitoring and compliance in achieving sustainable solutions within carbon-aware computing. The second use case explores resource efficiency optimization in Kubernetes clusters, illustrating how the ESC framework aligns with cloud infrastructure management trends.

Community Empowerment through Enhancement of Pule Payung Tourist Spot Potential in Soropati, Hargotirto, Kokap, Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Abstract. This article presents a community service initiative focused on enhancing the potential of Pule Payung, a significant tourist destination in Indonesia, through community empowerment and the strategic use of information technology in tourism promotion. Recognizing the challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited understanding of sustainable tourism management, the program provided a series of training and workshops for the local community, including basic IT training, social media and digital platform workshops, TikTok training, and photography and videography training. A sustainable Information Technology Management Team was also formed as part of the service. These efforts were evaluated through continuous mentoring and feedback sessions to ensure their effectiveness. The initiative resulted in the creation of effective digital content for promoting Pule Payung, with the local community playing an active role. The service project showcases the potential of combining community empowerment and digital technology to augment tourism, yielding broader economic, social, and environmental benefits for local communities and the wider Indonesian society.

A systematic literature network analysis of green information technology for sustainability: Toward smart and sustainable livelihoods

Although applications of information technologies (ITs) have made a substantial contribution in the form of economic benefits and new employment opportunities, rebound impacts such as increasing layoffs and electronic waste (e-waste) resulting from retired hardware and automation have occurred concurrently. Notably, the linkage between ITs and sustainability is an issue that remains less discussed in the literature. The purpose of this review is to address this gap and comprehensively understand how to leverage ITs to enhance sustainability while minimizing their negative impacts. After collecting 2919 keywords from 836 papers published in 240 journals and conducting social network analysis (SNA), this study contributes a smart sustainability model (SSM) mediated by green information technology to enhance economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, managerial and policy implications of the impact of ITs on corporate social responsibility and four roles of government (i.e., regulator, customer, innovator and facilitator) for sustainable development are discussed.Declarations of interest: none.

Pelatihan dan Pengelolaan Teknologi Informasi Berkelanjutan dalam Peningkatan Pengembangan Desa Digital pada Bidang Pelayanan Publik dan Kearsipan di Gampong Reuleut Timur

Information technology can improve the quality of information obtained by Gampong Reulet residents, especially in integrated public services and archives. Steps for Sustainable Information Technology Management in Improving Digital Village Development in the Field of Public Services and Archives include identifying village needs and potential, developing digital technology infrastructure, developing digital content and applications to support village needs in the archives sector. and public services, developing the skills and capacity of village communities in utilizing digital technology, as well as monitoring and evaluating the results of digital village development. The aim of the service is to provide Gampong Reuleut digital innovation to improve public services by utilizing technology to improve the performance of village officials and the efficiency of delivering information services. Second, digitizing archives can provide easy access and storage of information in several media so that the information is not lost. The results of this service increase administrative activities of gampong officials, provide comprehensive details about sustainable village operations, speed up services, and disseminate information related to gampong reulet including providing information services. Furthermore, the service has increased the development of digital villages, which shows that 90% and 10% of service participants feel quite satisfied with the implementation of service activities.

Fog Intelligence for Secure Smart Villages: Architecture and Future Challenges

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is considered the foundation for next-generation smart villages due to its ability to use sustainable information and communication technologies. The smart villages can enable real-time data analytics and can automate decision-making for local villagers in terms of agriculture, health care, transportation, environment, and energy. However, most of the wireless sensing devices exchange information using public networks and therefore may not be able to resist all forms of attacks. Additionally, most of the IoT devices are resource restricted and use cloud servers to process and store data. However, when IoT devices communicate with cloud computing data centers, the volume of data causes network congestion. To provide secure services close to end devices, a new network architecture called Distributed Fog Computing (DFC) can be created and integrated with IoT-based smart villages deployment. Motivated from the aforementioned discussions, this article explores the integration of DFC with IoT in improving security and privacy solutions for villagers and Consumer Electronic (CE) devices. As a case study, we also design and evaluate the performance of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) in DFC-based smart village environment. Finally, we discuss several open security issues and challenges regarding Fog-to-Things enabled smart villages.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Creative Cities: Research Hotspots, Trends, and Outlooks

Creative Cities (CCs) have emerged as a prominent topic of global interest, representing a novel approach to urban development that fosters sustainability. This study employed the CiteSpace bibliometric tool to conduct a knowledge mapping analysis of CC research, utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) core collection as the data source spanning from 2004 to 20 April 2023. The research provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of CCs, supported by both theoretical foundations and empirical data. Furthermore, it identifies research hotspots, core themes, and future trends within the field. A total of 2270 articles were retrieved for this study, revealing an upward trajectory in the number of articles associated with specific keywords. The research encompasses various disciplines, including geography, economics, urban studies, sociology, and art. The key focal points of CC investigations encompass sustainable development, cultural heritage, and information technology. The advancement of CCs has primarily focused on three core areas: theoretical research, policy strategies, and developmental challenges. This study underscores the importance of addressing issues such as gentrification, embracing information technology, and bridging the gap between theory and practice in CC development. The literature suggests that there is a dearth of comprehensive frameworks, spanning from theory to practice, which could serve as guiding principles and evaluation tools for the establishment and progress of CCs. This observation carries significant theoretical implications, while also offering a springboard for further exploration of the research hotspots by other scholars in the field.

Ensuring resilience: Integrating IT disaster recovery planning and business continuity for sustainable information technology operations

Information Technology (IT) Disaster Recovery Planning (IT DRP) and Business Continuity (BC) are essential components of an organization’s overall resilience strategy. IT DRP focuses on the recovery and restoration of IT systems, infrastructure, and services in the event of a disruptive incident or disaster, aiming to minimize downtime and data loss. BC, on the other hand, encompasses a broader perspective, addressing the organization's ability to maintain essential operations and deliver critical services during and after a disruption. This paper provides an overview of IT DRP and BC, highlighting their importance, challenges, and strategies. It also identifies the research gaps and future research scope in these areas. The findings indicate that both IT DRP and BC face challenges in their effective implementation. These challenges include the evolving nature of technology, increasing complexity of IT systems, budget constraints, organizational resistance to change, and the need for skilled personnel. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s IT infrastructure, risk assessment, and the development of robust recovery strategies and plans. It is also noted that despite considerable research on IT DRP and BC, there are several research gaps that deserve attention. These include the development of advanced technologies and tools for more efficient recovery and continuity, the integration of IT DRP and BC with overall organizational risk management, the impact of emerging technologies such as cloud computing and virtualization on recovery strategies, and the evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of different IT DRP and BC strategies.

Climate Change, Sustainable Forest Management, ICT Nexus, and the SDG 2030: A Systems Thinking Approach

The 2030 global agenda for sustainable development integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions, emphasizing peace, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. The SDG framework, consisting of 17 goals, 169 targets (SDTs), and 231 indicators (SDIs), forms a complex, interconnected network that necessitates extensive research. Despite prior studies on SDG interlinkages, the integration of Climate Change (CC), Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), collectively known as CSI Nexus, remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by identifying SDTs aligned with CC, SFM, and ICT (CSI) and analyzing their linkages within the SDG framework using a systems thinking approach. The objectives are to (1) investigate and identify SDTs connected with the CSI Nexus and (2) assess the significant relationship between and among CC, SFM, and ICT. The primary method involves a simplified meta-analysis and systems thinking approach incorporating content analysis, network visualization, affiliation matrix mapping, frequency distributions, and Spearman’s rho correlation. Results reveal 56 SDTs directly connected within CC + SFM + ICT, 16 within CC + SFM, one within SFM + ICT, and 51 within ICT + CC. The analysis indicates CC is significantly associated with SFM, while ICT has no significant association with CC and SFM, asserting minimal influence of ICT and SFM on the SDG 2030 framework. This research provides significant insights for decision-makers and stakeholders, contributing as a science-informed guide for priority-setting, policy coherence, and decision-making supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals across sectors.

How does information and communication technology affect carbon efficiency? Evidence at China's city level

Increasing carbon efficiency is a key path to sustainable development, and information and communication technology (ICT) may help realize a win-win situation for the economy and the environment. However, the existing literature on the impact of ICT on carbon efficiency is relatively shallow. Using a database of Chinese cities, this study empirically explores the role of ICT in carbon efficiency from the aspects of direct impact, mediation effect, and threshold effect. Results show that ICT significantly improves the carbon efficiency represented by single-factor and total-factor carbon efficiency. The mediation effect indicates that technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading, and external openness are effective ways for ICT to play its role. The threshold model shows that the promoting effect between the two depends on the local institutional environment. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that ICT plays a more remarkable role in promoting carbon efficiency in eastern regions. This study provides evidence for aggressively digitizing economies to shift towards a low-carbon economy. Policymakers are encouraged to consider better integrating ICTs into sustainable development strategies.

The Challenges and Prospects of ICT Utilisation in Counter Terrorism Efforts in a Transitional Democracy: The Case of Nigeria

The global quest to fight terror worldwide cannot be over emphasised as extremists and non -state actors continue to ravage the ungoverned spaces opening up around the globe. Consequently this work is an evaluation of the use of ICT in counter terrorism efforts in Nigeria as a fledgling democracy. The study reviewed the challenges and prospects of the application of ICT to counter terror in a country where Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other militant groups have continue to challenge the legitimacy and territorial integrity of the Nigerian state. The work used the mixed method –comprising qualitative and quantitative analytical efforts and found out that for the Nigerian State to make sustainable impacts in her counter terrorism efforts ICT should be the pivot. In the same vein, the study advocated adequate training and sustainable Information Technology policy and culture that will encourage the development of substantial capacity to drive an ICT-driven counter terrorism in a world full of rapidly mutating terrorism.

(St)aging in place: Information and communication technologies for a health-centered agile dwelling unit.

As the number of older adults is growing rapidly in the U.S., the need for personalized, innovative, and sustainable Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) solutions is critical to support individuals' social, emotional, and physical health. Such technology can significantly help older adults' ability to live independently in their homes despite the challenges the aging process may present, referred to as aging or staging in place. In this study, we explored ways to integrate ICTs into Agile Dwelling Units (AgDUs) through affordable, innovative, technology-enabled tools and practices that can be adapted to respond to individual's needs while supporting independent, secure, and engaged healthy living. The technology-enabled and human-centered AgDUs organically transform in response to users' needs. This approach offers a viable solution for older adults at different stages throughout their lifespan to transition into an intimate, technologically-enhanced living environment while allowing for (1) customization to user's needs; (2) cost optimization and maintenance; and (3) accessibility that minimizes gaps in compliance from a provider and user perspectives. Integrating ICTs in AgDUs to support health monitoring and management could reduce forthcoming pressure on the healthcare system and care providers to accommodate the needs of older adults. This approach is described through a collaborative multidisciplinary lens that highlights a partnership between academia, industry experts, and key stakeholders to advance healthy living and extend lifespan through design-build and technology integration. The main goal of this approach is to increase access to health services and optimize healthcare costs.

Determining UK government scope 2 and 3 computer greenhouse gas emissions

The objective of this research is to determine the potential of scope 3 supply chain emissions generated by end user computers within the United Kingdom government and to test current scope 2 calculation methods to improve annual reporting procedures. The supply chain analysis is accomplished by using existing asset profile data to determine the number of devices owned by computer type combined with manufacturer scope 3 product emissions data averages by type. In this example, 2.2 million computing devices are examined and found to produce emissions in excess of 623.45m kgCO2e. By suggesting devices are retained beyond the current 5-year periods, it is determined to be feasible that this value could be reduced by 37.5%. Additionally, by selecting devices with the lowest carbon footprint in the future when computers require replacement an estimated total reduction of 65% is achievable. The scope 2 emissions calculation compares the current methodology used to generate kWh/y values and concomitant greenhouse gas emissions to results generated by field measurement using the commercial typical energy consumption methodology. The results substantiate that the government is currently over reporting scope 2 emissions values by as much as 697% due to owned but not used devices being included in the calculation and fixed electricity consumption data used by the current methodology being too high when compared to actual use. As such, the findings are presented to the government and included as recommendations in the latest national sustainable information and communications technology strategy document.

Greenhouse gas abatement via repurposing computers

The purpose of this research is to generate findings to support the reduction of computer supply chain greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved by answering the question, ‘can greenhouse gas abatement be delivered by alternative computer operating system displacement strategies?’ We hypothesised that extending the useful lifespan of end user computing devices to 8 years by repurposing a device with a new operating system can reduce scope 3 supply chain emissions, which account for 73% of an end user computing device's carbon footprint. To test the hypothesis, we measure the carbon footprint reduction delivered by repurposing 3,150 obsolete desktop computers, which were installed with a Linux based operating system to become thin clients and support a remote working solution for a major financial institution during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. We calculate scope 3 supply chain emissions avoided by not purchasing new thin client solutions. Legacy device power consumption is also measured and extrapolated to represent the one-year period of use and compared with that of new devices to calculate the excess scope 2 emissions of the former. We find that while new devices reduce scope 2 emissions, this gain is outweighed by the reductions in scope 3 emissions from not replacing the legacy devices. Furthermore, we find that the new Linux based operating system reduces energy consumption by 22% compared with Microsoft Windows. We also calculate the financial gains from the repurposing strategy to test the perception that sustainable information technology adoption is costly. Finally, the impact of remote working on commuting emissions is estimated. In conclusion, the findings show that repurposing end user computing devices contributes meaningfully to sustainability strategies from both an environmental and financial perspective.

Sustainable Information and Communication Technologies: A Critical Query for CO2 Emissions in Panel Countries

Sustainable Information and Communication Technologies: A Critical Query for CO2 Emissions in Panel Countries

A Program Development Model for Information Technologies Curriculum in Secondary Schools

Information technology (IT) is used in numerous fields today, from health to education. This situation has brought about the need to train individuals toward using technological knowledge efficiently. IT education plays an important role in training individuals to become qualified in this field. Therefore, the IT curriculum should be designed to meet the said needs of students. This study then aims to provide a program development model for the information technologies curriculum at the secondary school level that can be adapted to the conditions of the day. To develop the model, the authors examined the relevant literature and information technologies program development processes and teaching programs of different countries. In addition, the opinions of academicians and teachers were obtained/taken into account. The results of the research led to the design of the "Development Model for a Sustainable Information Technologies Curriculum (DEMSITEC)". This model includes the planning and sustainability of an information technology curriculum with a dynamic structure that allows for continuous development. The model will provide teachers with a detailed road map for shaping the curriculum for their teaching environment. The study findings demonstrate that the model is useful for information technology education. It is suggested that this model be used for other grades alongside secondary schools for longer periods and the repetitive process be tested.

CAPABILITY DEPRIVATION MEETS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: THE URGENCY OF ACCESSIBILITY AND CONNECTIVITY IN ALLEVIATING THE POVERTY OF TOBACCO FARMERS IN INDONESIA

Although the area and production of smallholder plantation tobacco plants cover more than 99% of the total plantation area and tobacco production in Indonesia, the allocation of Tobacco Excise Production Sharing Funds (Dana Bagi Hasil Cukai Hasil Tembakau/DBHCHT) in 2017-2021 has been approximately Rp. 2.9 trillion per year, and several DBHCHT laws and regulations are adequate, but many tobacco farmers are still in poverty. Based on the statute’s normative method, conceptual, analytical, and case techniques. As the synthesis of several poverty theories affirms that poverty is the scarcity of means of livelihood or the limited level of welfare of a person or a community due to the instability of existing resources and the deprivation of basic capabilities, which results in the inability to achieve their certain functions and goals, it is essential to solving the capability deprivation and digital divide of tobacco farmers by improving the accessibility and connectivity. The Directorate General of Fiscal Balance is necessary to build a website and monitor and evaluate transparently against any obstacles to accessibility and connectivity. Two conclusions were generated. First, the deprivation of capabilities and the digital divide are causes of poverty, so it is necessary to assess alternative policies through access and connection of adequate and sustainable information and communication technologies for tobacco farmers and communities or farmer groups. Second, the government should provide the accessibility and connectivity of tobacco farmers in Indonesia by strengthening tobacco farmer groups (such as cooperatives) and strengthening the cost-effectiveness of technology and value-added service provision.

Green Entrepreneurship: Should Legislators Invest in the Formation of Sustainable Hubs?

This study explores which local factors affect the creation of sustainable or green startups in a geographical area. The analysis aims to help regional legislators get a more nuanced view of regional economic and sustainable policymaking and to promote a transition toward a greener economy. Building on knowledge spillover theory, results from 4301 companies across Europe show that the driving factors for the emergence of green startups go beyond funding opportunities. Knowledge exchange and industry networks are equally if not more important in attracting green entrepreneurs. Results also reveal that green startups are more likely than non-green startups to change their location. Of those who change their location, green founders prefer large cities and have a negative inclination to establish their companies in small cities. Companies in the sustainable information technology (IT) industry are less likely to change their location, whereas green manufacturing companies are more likely to change. In summation, results indicate that the location choices and resulting evolution of clusters for green startups are based on a number of variables, including local knowledge stock and spillovers, company density, availability of educated talent, and industry affiliations.

A Continuous Dispatch Decision Model for Sustainable IT Service Assignments

Information technology (IT) services are indispensable in the enterprises' sustainability program nowadays. For the outsourcing of IT services, many companies use the contract service model and set up a project to implement timely IT requests which constantly arrive at different IT sites. The demand for outsourced IT services and related workforce coordination is a permanent decisional process, yet existing studies mainly focus on the one-time assignment or the centralized service model. Hence, this paper bases on the multi-period and multi-service allocation requirement to develop a sustainable assignment model. The model handles continuous service requests and decentralized worker assignments to optimize overall costs under the fixed-price contract type of IT service. A real industrial service case is reported to illustrate the model. A comparative review with related works is also provided to discuss the contributions of the model and to outline its future research and development.