Mobile and the Environment
Mobile and the Environment
Mobile communications has the potential to make direct and indirect contributions to reducing the environmental impacts of other areas of the economy. Areas of potential contribution include using mobile broadband for more efficient use of alternative energy sources; support for teleworking; using a person’s mobile phone to register their presence so that heating or lighting can respond; real-time freight management; and dematerialisation – replacing physical items (such as CDs) with digital downloads. It has been estimated that through enabling other sectors to reduce their emissions, the information and communications technology industry could reduce global emissions by as much as 15 per cent by 2020 – a volume of CO2 five times its own footprint.Mobile Recycling
Research indicates that it is the component manufacture and use phases of the phone’s lifecycle which have the greatest environmental impact.
Design and Use
Consumer expectation drives the continuous redesign of mobile phones. While the list of functions grows, the actual phone size decreases producing environmental benefits through the substitution of one device for many.
Collection and Reuse
The industry supports handset; battery and accessory take-back in many countries so that phones are not disposed of with household waste. Different approaches are needed in countries with large informal repair sectors.
Recycling and Disposal
GSMA estimates that each year about 4.5 million phones globally will be beyond economic repair and need to be recycled. About 16% (by weight) of a typical mobile phone is considered 'high value' materials.
Mobile Networks
More than 80% of a typical mobile network operator's energy requirements are associated with operating the network. However, the mobile industry continues to look for ways to reduce energy needs.
Environment Resources
Relevant reports and GSMA e-newsletter.
Mobile’s Green Manifesto
Manifesto sets out how the mobile industry plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions per connection, and demonstrates the key role that mobile communications can play in lowering emissions in other sectors and industries. It also makes specific policy recommendations for governments and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
