Developing Green IS through translation: The case of an environmental sustainability tool

Green information systems (Green IS) can assist in the achievement of sustainability initiatives and enhance environmental and economic performance. The goal of this paper is to investigate the phenomena that occur when heterogeneous actors engage in complex patterns of interaction in their Green IS development efforts. Drawing on actor-network theory (ANT), we “follow the actors” participating in the development of the Vessel Management System (VMS), a sustainability tool to help enforce compliance with legislation that protects South Australia’s aquatic environment. We find that focal actors with legislative powers, legitimacy, and ability to apply urgency influences can undertake effective translation of actors in emerging actor-networks. This study contributes by integrating ANT and Green IS development with the introduction of sustainability legislation in an environment protection context.