# Estimating the Energy Footprint of Software Systems: a Primer

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.11611 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.11611/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 16 Jul 2024.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Generating Energy-Efficient Code via Large-Language Models -- Where are we now?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.10099/) (2025)
- [Static Metrics Are Insufficient: Predicting Java Method Energy Usage with Execution Time](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2607.06124/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

In Green Software Development, quantifying the energy footprint of a software system is one of the most basic activities. This documents provides a high-level overview of how the energy footprint of a software system can be estimated to support Green Software Development. We introduce basic concepts in the area, highlight methodological issues that must be accounted for when conducting experiments, discuss trade-offs associated with different estimation approaches, and make some practical considerations. This document aims to be a starting point for researchers who want to begin conducting work in this area.