Integrating Sustainability Assessments into Software Management Practices - An Action Research Study on Optimising a Framework for Evaluating and Improving Software Sustainability

Abstract

This thesis investigates the integration of sustainability assessments into software management practices, focusing on Husqvarna Group’s initiative to incorporate sustainability scores into its extensive application portfolio. The research adopts an action research methodology to develop and refine a sustainability assessment tool that evaluates software applications across environmental, social, governance, and process sustainability dimensions. The study identifies key criteria for defining sustainable IT and develops a framework that allows for the comparison of different software systems based on their sustainability contributions. By incorporating feedback from industry practices, company goals, and sustainability frameworks, the tool aims to facilitate more informed decision-making within enterprise IT strategies. Key findings highlight the challenges and benefits of integrating sustainability into software management. The research underscores the importance of customizable tools that align with company-specific sustainability goals and regulatory requirements, such as the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Additionally, it addresses the need for improved sustainability data, transparency in vendor practices, and enhanced sustainability knowledge among service managers.