1. June 05, 2001
Telecommunications Industry Calls for Sustainability
by Mark Thomsen
Some of the world's largest information and communications technology companies form an
alliance to promote sustainable development.
SocialFunds.com -- Some household names in the telecommunications industry, supported by
the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Telecommunications
Union, are formalizing a cooperative effort to promote sustainable business practices and
technologies. The Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) is officially being launched today
on the occasion of World Environment Day.
"At a time in history when our technologies are bringing people closer together it follows that
businesses also work together to contribute to the societies within which they operate," said
Chris Tuppen, Chair of the Interim GeSI steering group. "The launch of GeSI will build on
existing voluntary activities and act as the focus for a global network of companies and
organizations working on sustainability issues."
The GeSI's vision is "to help improve the global environment and to enhance human and
economic development, and thereby make a key contribution to a global sustainable future."
Its activities will focus on sharing best practices and knowledge, working with stakeholders,
implementing policies that support sustainability, conducting corporate environmental
monitoring and benchmarking, and raising awareness of how telecommunications can
contribute to a more sustainable society.
The founders of the group include some of the biggest global players: AT&T (ticker: T),
British Telecommunications plc (BTY), Cable & Wireless plc (CWP), Deutsche Telekom
AG (DT), Ericsson, Lucent Technologies (LU), Marconi plc (MONI), Telcordia
Technologies , Telenor AS and the European Telecommunications Network Operators
Association. Each member of the group has something to offer in terms of recommendations
of environment-friendly business practices.
Some have taken steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. British Telecommunications, for
example, has calculated that employee use of audio and video conferencing saved over 150
million miles of travel in 2000, contributing to a total saving of saving of 1 million tons in
CO2 emissions. At AT&T, increased teleworking by staff in 2000 cut car travel by 110
million miles, translating into a reduction of almost 50,000 tons in carbon dioxide emissions.
From 1996 to 2000, Deutsche Telekom reduced pollutant emissions from their vehicle fleet
by 25 percent.
Reducing waste and increasing efficient energy use is another area where
telecommunications companies can make an impact. In December 2000, telecommunications
hardware and software supplier Marconi started a best practice "waste management project"
at their Liverpool, UK facility. They installed an auto waste-to-heat recovery system to burn
waste and convert the heat to usable energy. The benefits included less landfill, "free" hot
water and lower carbon dioxide emissions from the reduction in fuel transportation.
The member companies are also beginning to adopt a "life-cycle" approach to their products.
2. This approach looks at the development and delivery of all products and services in terms of
environmental impact, seeking to minimize the use of natural resources in production and
maximize reuse and recycling at the end of the product's life. The firms are working closely
with customers, suppliers, trade and industry associations and standards organizations to
develop and promote sustainable management systems and solutions.
Cable & Wireless, for example, has incorporated environmental criteria into its Request for
Quote document for all suppliers in the UK. Suppliers are asked for details about their
environment policy, management systems, main impacts, audits and regulatory compliance.
Over the next two years, the GeSI will support research on the role that information and
communications technology can play in advancing sustainable development. Members will
also be looking into how to disseminate their knowledge and experience in helping other
firms achieve their business goals while incorporating social and environmental responsibility.
