Data & AIData & AI
Byte size15min
INTERMEDIATE

Can GenAI predict code’s energy use and why should we care?

This demo presents an AI-driven approach to estimating and reducing the energy and CO₂ footprint of mature Java code. Using detailed code analysis, practical optimization techniques, and open-source principles, it offers a repeatable method for achieving measurable energy savings in codebases and CI/CD pipelines, targeting engineers and sustainability stakeholders.

Wilco Burggraaf
Wilco BurggraafHighTech Innovators

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Wednesday, April 1, 13:50-14:05
Zaal 4
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This 15-minute demo shows how AI helps you spot and shrink the hidden energy and CO₂ footprint in “mature” Java code.

We use a simple, transparent theoretical model for sustainable decision making.

Micro-ops map to CPU work at one to five gigahertz, which we convert to milliwatt-hours bandwidth. Multiply that by your grid’s carbon intensity to estimate CO2. This matters because much of the marginal electricity on the grid still comes from gas turbines, so every milliwatt-hour you avoid cuts indirect emissions.

The AI annotates code line-by-line with uOps and mWh, flags smells/SOLID issues, predicts boost/threads risks, etc.

You’ll see how this works on small, widely used open-source Java libraries (think helpers, IO, logging, JSON).

We apply a lightweight playbook focused on under-utilization, waiting patterns, and bottlenecks. Using our ten DevOps++ open-source principles, like eliminate idle compute, right-size memory, prioritize I/O before scaling, prune work at the source, etc.

Key takeaways
  • A practical AI-assisted method to estimate a theoretical energy from code.
  • A repeatable playbook for low-risk patches that save watts without sacrificing speed.
  • A governance hook to make “less energy” a default quality bar in your CI/CD pipelines.

Target audience
Java engineers, tech leads, SRE/DevEx, FinOps/Sustainability owners, or anyone who wants measurable, low-effort energy wins in code and CI.
emissions
ai
energy
java
talks.speakers
Wilco Burggraaf

Wilco Burggraaf

HighTech Innovators

Netherlands

With over 20 years of experience in software development, primarily in C#. I’ve had the opportunity to grow through roles such as developer, architect, agile tester, and IT management advisor. Today, as Principal Lead of Green Software Engineering at HighTech Innovators, I’m passionate about advancing Extreme Software Performance: creating efficient, high-impact systems that minimize environmental impact.

Since stepping into this role in January 2025, I’ve focused on promoting sustainable and responsible software practices that balance innovation with environmental awareness. My work centers on research, training, and practical implementation. Helping teams build purposeful software that performs exceptionally while contributing to a more sustainable future.

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