Developed with consensus from GSF member organisations
What is SOFT?
The Sustainable Organisational Framework for Technology (SOFT) is your organisation's complete transformation guide for sustainable software practices. Developed by the Green Software Foundation and ratified by leading technology organisations, SOFT provides the bridge between knowing sustainability matters and actually achieving it through your technology operations.
The SOFT Framework
Four pillars. One transformation. Unlimited potential.
Strategy
Strategic planning and vision alignment for transformative business outcomes.
Implementation
Seamless execution and deployment of solutions with precision and expertise.
Operational
Streamlined processes and optimised workflows for maximum efficiency.
Compliance and Regulations
Robust compliance frameworks and security measures to protect your business.
SOFT gives changemakers the structured approach they need to reduce carbon emissions from software operations while achieving business objectives.
Why SOFT Matters
SOFT isn't just another framework — it's the catalyst for industry-wide transformation in how we build, deploy, and operate software sustainably.
Industry Impact
SOFT transforms how organisations approach software sustainability by providing the first comprehensive, actionable framework that bridges the gap between green software tools and organisational implementation. By standardising approaches across strategy, implementation, operations, and compliance, SOFT accelerates the technology sector's contribution to global net-zero targets. This isn't about point solutions anymore — it's about systematic transformation that creates industry-wide consistency in measuring and reducing software carbon emissions.
Business Benefits
Achieve significant cost savings through reduced energy consumption and resilience to energy price volatility
Drive operational excellence with standardised practices that reduce technical debt and boost developer productivity
Gain competitive advantage as a recognised sustainability leader, attracting top talent and environmentally conscious clients
Mitigate risk through proactive compliance management and structured approaches to regulatory changes
Catalyse innovation with framework structures that enable rapid adoption of sustainable technologies
Environmental Impact
SOFT directly reduces software-related carbon emissions by embedding sustainability into every phase of the software lifecycle. Organisations implementing SOFT can expect measurable reductions in energy consumption through optimised operations and carbon-aware practices. The framework's comprehensive approach ensures environmental considerations influence decisions from strategic planning through operational execution, creating compound benefits that accelerate your journey to net-zero.
SOFT Works for Everyone
C-Suite & Business Leaders
Transform your sustainability commitments into measurable results. SOFT provides board-ready governance structures, clear KPIs, and demonstrable ROI through cost savings and risk mitigation.
Enhance your corporate reputation while achieving real environmental impact with a framework designed for executive decision-making and strategic alignment.
Software Practitioners
Make sustainability part of your development DNA without sacrificing performance or productivity. SOFT seamlessly integrates into existing workflows with practical tools, templates, and decision trees that make building greener software straightforward.
Elevate your skills, reduce technical debt, and contribute to meaningful environmental change through your daily work.
Sustainability Professionals
Finally, bridge the gap between environmental goals and technical reality. SOFT translates your sustainability objectives into actionable IT practices with measurable outcomes and compliance alignment.
Transform technology from a carbon challenge into your greatest opportunity for impact with comprehensive frameworks that speak both business and sustainability languages.
The Journey to Global Impact
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Q1 2024
Proposal
Pre-Draft -
Q2 2024
Draft
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Jul 2025
Consistency Review
WG Final Approval
SC Ratification -
Sep 2025 - Jan 2026
Pilot Program
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Upcoming 2026
Publication
Get Involved
Multiple Ways to Join the Movement
