A study undertaken by Huawei and GSMAi has found that 60% of respondents consider the climate when buying telecom products. This should make it clear to suppliers that sustainability needs to be a priority. Not just for the sake of the planet but profits too.
So, what are telecom companies doing to transition to a green economy? And how could this benefit them?
The Huawei / GSMAi Study
The study has found that the majority of respondents factor in sustainability when deciding what telecom products to buy. It outlines as well, how green purchasing decisions are more pronounced in high-growth emerging economies. Particularly those exposed to the effects of the climate crisis for example in the form of extreme weather events. Such places include the Philippines, Brazil, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia.
This isn’t surprising. As the climate becomes an increasingly apparent issue, and younger generations gain purchasing power, it’s no wonder that businesses are being urged to reduce their environmental impact.
Emanuel Kolta, Senior Analyst at GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi), when speaking about sustainability as part of Huawei’s Transform Talks said…
“It’s an opportunity for you to increase your revenues, cut costs incrementally, and, of course, add newer customers from the enterprise sector”.
Calling sustainability, “not just a marketing term anymore”
Can Telecoms Be Sustainable?
Businesses are waking up to the fact that the green transition could foster new opportunities for growth. They can make efficiency gains and appeal to a climate-conscious customer base.
Mobile operators can do this by facilitating the return of used devices so that materials within them can be recycled or reused, reducing the huge global e-waste issue. They should also ensure their networks are run with energy efficiency in mind. This sort of transformation will be critical as data traffic increases.
Director General of the World Broadband Association, Martin Creaner told Huawei, telcos’ worry if they don’t embark on the journey towards carbon neutrality…
“then enterprises will start de-selecting you as their supplier [and] consumers will start buying from companies that have a higher sustainability set of credentials.”
Businesses from every industry are facing this kind of prospect as sustainability becomes less of a choice and more a condition of survival.
Summary
Telecom customers are increasingly concerned with sustainability. Operators need to rise to this challenge for the sake of the planet but to stay relevant within the industry also. They can begin this journey by allowing used products to be repurposed and boosting energy efficiency. Do you think telecoms can be sustainable?
Source: Connectivity with a conscience: Telcos are going green
