Idris first became interested in computing, technology and energy efficiency whilst studying economics and working as assistant programmer at the ANU, culminating in a PhD. dissertation on technology and investment strategies of multinationals.

A combined computing, economics and statistics background gives Idris an ideal grounding to approach energy efficiency from both a practical, policy and business case basis. Idris started work with a focus in ICT energy efficiency standards and policy at the energy efficiency branch of the Australian environment department in 2007, and has been involved in a broad range of projects since.

His research interests include a number of applied areas of Information Communications Technology (ICT) including ICT energy efficiency (EE) and sustainability benchmarking, development of EE standards and regulation. He also writes on ICT for development topics particularly on the implementation of online/e-government, e-advocacy and ICT diffusion programs both in emerging and developed economies. He works as an advisor for a number of sustainability and ICT related organisations and is actively engaged with peak industry and professional bodies in Australia, Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.