GreenIT: Sustainable Strategies for Optimizing Resources in Information Systems for Federal Educational Institutions

1.1 GreenIT Organizations, both public and private, have been investing heavily to optimize their resources through the incorporation of technology and information systems, with the aim of more efficient and sustainable management. The search for integrating Green Information Technology (IT) in this context has gained prominence, as its intelligent management not only reduces the environmental impacts associated with the management of computing resources, but also improves operational efficiency, reducing costs and opening doors to new opportunities (BACHOUR; CHASTEEN, 2010) (SALLES et al., 2013).

A decade ago, a study led by NUINTIN et al. (2014) on the efficiency of the allocation of public resources in Brazilian Federal Universities provided a comprehensive perspective. This article now seeks to enrich this approach by incorporating the principles of Green IT. By exploring quantitative and qualitative variables linked to resource management, the researchers identified a valuable opportunity to integrate environmental and sustainable elements into the university context.

Green IT, focused on energy efficiency and the reduction of the environmental impact of technological activities, emerges as an additional variable for the analysis of relative efficiency. The inclusion of aspects such as electricity consumption, electronic waste management, and optimization of the use of technological resources in higher education institutions would not only improve the original analysis, but would also promote a more holistic approach to efficiency, aligned with the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The focus proposed in this article aims to open the way for investigations that explore the interconnection between operational efficiency, technological resource management, and environmental impacts in universities, fostering more sustainable practices in the academic field. Public educational institutions rely heavily on information systems to manage academic and administrative activities. In this context, investing in quality standards is crucial to optimize the use of these systems and improve operational efficiency in educational institutions.

The correlation between the principles of Green IT and the quality and efficiency in the use of information systems is evident. Seeking pleasant experiences and effectively managing digital resources can contribute to sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact of information technologies. A study conducted by Junior and Dos Santos (2020) highlighted the importance of complex network analysis to understand behavioral patterns in areas of knowledge related to the use of information systems.

This methodological approach is valuable for federal institutions that seek to improve Green IT practices, covering three interconnected areas: information search and use behaviors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and information systems. In the context of federal institutions, the application of this methodology provides a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the use of information systems, allowing a structured analysis that encompasses human, technological interactions, and devices used.

In light of this information, a proposal in development linked to the Research Group in Systems Analysis and Development (GPADS) of the Federal Institute of Pernambuco (IFPE) consists of creating an artifact that maps the state of internal computing components, aiming to promote more efficient use of technological equipment in an educational institution.

1.2 technology as an act of transforming

The Technology Appropriation Model (TAM), proposed by Carroll et al. (2001, 2002), posits that technology undergoes a transformation through the dynamic interplay between its designed form and the user. This transformation process is characterized by the interplay between two key components: the technology as designed and the technology in use.

The technology as designed refers to the initial state of the technology, encompassing the embedded assumptions and expectations about the intended user and their intended activities. This includes the implicit rules and functionalities encoded within the technology, shaping the potential interactions and experiences users might have.

The technology in use, on the other hand, represents the actual outcome of the appropriation process. It reflects how users have adapted and reinterpreted the technology to fit their specific needs, contexts, and prior experiences. This dynamic usage can lead to deviations from the original design, as users actively negotiate and redefine the technology's purpose and capabilities.

The crucial element driving this transformation is the appropriation process itself. It is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including the user's individual characteristics, their existing knowledge and skills, and their specific needs and goals. These factors shape how users perceive and interact with the technology, ultimately influencing the emergent form of the technology in use.