Nokia Siemens Networks Malaysia calls on ICT industry to set carbon emissions goals by end 2011.
Details after the jump.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – November 4, 2010-Nokia Siemens Networks today called upon the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in Malaysia to set carbon emissions business goals by the end of next year.
To help achieve these goals, Nokia Siemens Networks highlighted three clear recommendations for the ICT industry, and in particular the telecommunications industry, to lower carbon emissions.
1.Improve energy efficiency
Energy consumption is identified as having the biggest environmental impact in a telecommunications network, which traditionally accounts for around 86 percent of the total energy consumed by communications service providers (CSPs) and up to 30 percent of overall operational costs in developing markets (up to 10% in mature markets)**.Nokia Siemens Networks highlighted that CSPs that invest in energy efficient technologies are not only able to reduce their carbon footprint but, with lowered operational expenditure, they can also expect to see a positive impact on the bottom line.
2.Invest in renewable sources of energy
In March 2010, Nokia Siemens Networks called upon the Government to stipulate that all new off-grid base stations deployed in Malaysia from 2011 need to be based on renewable energy sources versus fossil fuel. The company reiterated this today.Nokia Siemens Networks also highlighted its aims for sourcing renewable energy such as solar power and wind to be the first choice for all of its remote base station sites by 2011. If diesel generation-sets need to be used, biodiesel should be the preferred choice. Aiming sustainability in case of the use of diesel generation-sets, biodiesel should be the preferred choice.
3.Use of recycled or recyclable materials to reduce ICT waste
Nokia Siemens Networks calls upon the telecommunications industry to consequently adopt more widespread use of recycled or recyclable materials not only in the network infrastructure and mobile devices but also within their business environment. The company commended handset manufacturer, Nokia, for its successful recycling programme. With dedicated plants in Penang and Malacca, Nokia is able to process unwanted mobile devices and reuse 80 percent of the materials, used in some form or another, e.g. batteries.Nokia Siemens Networks’ own commitment to reducing ICT waste is underscored by the company’s use of recyclable base stations for CSP mobile networks.
Speaking at the European Union Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI) Green ICT roundtable event, Tan Sri Rainer Althoff, Chairman Nokia Siemens Networks Malaysia, highlighted that the ICT industry, although responsible for only 2 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, is well placed as an innovation leader to pave the way in reducing carbon emissions for various carbon-intensive industries such as power and transportation, responsible for 47 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. He also urged Malaysia to look at examples of best practices in sustainability from European counterparts who have developed low-carbon solutions and industries over the past 30 years.
“Reducing carbon emissions is key to the success of the ICT industry and the greater good of the nation to reduce pollution and to stop the growth of global warming. All EU economies recognise this need, and are taking active measures to reduce carbon emissions. For example, Germany has set the target of becoming a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, leading to the creation of a booming ‘green industry’ in its own right,” said Tan Sri Rainer. “We hope the Malaysian ICT industry will follow the EU’s lead in working towards a zero carbon footprint and creating growth from carbon neutral practices.”
As well as the environmental benefits, Nokia Siemens Networks highlighted that the adoption of green technology and sustainable practices within Malaysia’s burgeoning ICT sector would likely attract greater investment from EU countries which have made carbon neutrality a priority. The carbon footprint of investment locations will become a key criteria. It was also noted that all the technology already exists to achieve carbon neutrality but there is still much to be done to raise awareness of the importance of reducing carbon emissions and to a greater extent, global warming. To this end, Tan Sri Rainer urges the Government to educate businesses to think long term when it comes to investing in sustainable business practices. Malaysia’s education system needs to develop proper awareness about the negative impact of carbon emissions.
Hosted by EUMCCI, the Green ICT Roundtable at Double Tree Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, brought together distinguished speakers to discuss green ICT policies with case examples and best practices cited from Europe which could be incorporated into local policies in keeping with the National Action Plan. The session aimed to stimulate ideas and come up with a set of guidelines for corporate entities to better work with ICT solution providers to help implement smart and environmentally sound ICT practices.
