 Oct. 7, 2008 - Sprint has committed to cutting its total greenhouse gas emissions 15% by 2017, with at least 10% of its energy coming from renewable sources.
As part of its overall sustainability program, the company has launched a set of specific goals to reduce its emissions which include reducing energy demand, and increasing the use of renewable energy.
One of the key areas which Sprint will be targeting is its mobile networks and the energy associated with operating them. The company is examining all network design and procurement processes, to ensure energy use and environmental impact is taken into consideration. Sprint is also introducing 250 hydrogen fuel cells in its core network, a cleaner energy source which only produces water as a by-product.
The company also pledges to increase its wireless recycling rates from 16% to 90% by 2017 by expanding its two programs, Sprint Project Connect and Sprint Buyback. It plans to increase its customers’ participation in phone take-back efforts.
Sprint’s emissions reduction targets are one element of its 10-year environmental strategy which consists of six environmental priorities:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Minimize waste and reduce use of natural resources
- Promote an environmentally-sound supply chain
- Reduce the environmental impact of Sprint products and services
- Promote and support environmental stewardship by Sprint employees
- Continue to comply with environmental regulations
Earlier this year, China Mobile, the world's largest mobile phone operator, announced it will increase energy efficiency by 40% from 2005 levels by 2010 by cutting energy use even as its business continues to grow. In India, telecom vendor VNL has re-engineered industry-standard Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications technology to both draw less electricity and run exclusively on solar power. |
