Network operators are increasingly well-positioned as the infrastructural linchpin for countless digital technologies, from 5G to the Internet of Things. The demand for data traffic and connectivity has skyrocketed – especially during COVID-19 pandemic. With the world’s climate crisis also worsening, operators face the challenge of slashing their carbon emissions while meeting customer needs and maintaining revenue growth. Many operators have started investing in renewable energy sources as a core part of their corporate strategy.
2. Defining the green network
Energy consumption, renewable energy sources, and a carbon reduction strategy are the three vital elements that must work in tandem for a network to be considered green. Besides this, the connectivity potential of the network through manufacturing, or transport, can enable carbon reductions in those sectors as well. Energy consumption is directly linked to an operator’s greenhouse gas emissions. Besides, considering the impact of the value chain on resources like land and water become vital. Procurement processes include clear, stringent sustainability criteria, and eco design of products is also important.
3. Quantifying the impact of green initiatives
Energy intensity – or the amounts of energy needed to operate a network – is measurable in several ways, including consumption per customer and per data volume. Other key indicators include renewable energy shares, percentages of refurbished network equipment, and the network’s overall carbon intensity. In July 2021 NGMN Alliance recommended integration of circular economy principles and life-cycle assessment methods into the procurement process of all mobile network operators and equipment manufacturers. Standards developed through global consultation at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) provide directions to the Telecom Network Providers on the way forward. These include standards from the ITU’s standardization arm (ITU-T)
• Standards L.1023 -Assessment method for circular scoring
• Standards L.1410 Methodology for environmental life cycle assessments of information and communication technology goods, networks and services.
• Standards L.1470 Greenhouse gas emissions trajectories for the information and communication technology sector compatible with the UNFCCC Paris Agreement.
Metering solutions can help operators monitor and optimize their energy intensity, on-site renewable power production, and the power consumption of specific devices at the local site level. Data on temperature and humidity can add further insights. These metrics can help implement optimization systems to reduce the electricity consumed by networks, predict maintenance, and even apply AI and machine learning methods to continue optimizing consumed electricity.
4. Likely impact on the Telecom Operators Green network strategies can have a sizeable impact on an operator’s bottom line – especially in terms of operating expenses on electricity consumption despite growth in traffic. There has also been a demand from the business customers to understand the impact the operators end-to-end network service on their own carbon footprint
5. How the Telecom Operators can make their networks green
The telecom operators need to:
• Invest in energy efficiency to deliver more data and services with a lower footprint.
• Source renewables and consider on-site power generation.
• Adopt a net-zero plan grounded in science.
• Help the customers optimise on the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).
6. NGMN Green Future Networks Project initiative
Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance, an alliance of 24 Service Providers involved in the domain of Telecom presents the method of Life Cycle Assessment, to more accurately assess the network equipment’s environmental footprint – among others providing a view on the materials’ footprint and the role of critical raw materials as part of the products’ sustainable design (eco-design). Besides this the benefits of network equipment re-manufacturing and refurbishment as well as innovation in packaging inspired by eco-design principles were highlighted. Also a list of recommendations for operators and vendors on how to expand their activities regarding the eco-design of products – showing how measures in different areas help reducing the environmental footprint. Feasibility of implementing the recommendations of NGNM Alliance for incorporating Circular Economy would also be reviewed as a part of the webinar.