Smarter ICT solutions can help prevent global warming, according to new report

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Telenor takes part in new ICT industry report, SMARTer 2020, providing analysis of how communications technology can help reduce carbon emissions and prevent climate change.

Smart use of communication technology in many parts of society can contribute to a 16.5 percent reduction in global greenhouse gas, with a value of USD 1.9 trillion in gross energy and fuel savings, according to the new SMARTer 2020 report.

The SMARTer 2020 report is the result of cooperation between Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) and twelve dedicated international ICT companies, including Telenor Group. The original SMART 2020 was produced in 2008, and provided analysis of how ICT could address problems in society, including the threat of climate change. In 2012, the projections for ICT’s impact are even greater than the original 2008 estimates.

“SMARTer 2020 is proof of the increasingly important role of ICT in working towards the prevention of global warming due to the emission of dangerous greenhouse gas. Video conferences, smart building management, cloud computing and smart electrical grids are all examples of solutions that contribute to reduced carbon emissions,” said Jon Erik Haug, EVP and Head of Group People Development, Telenor Group.

“For example, the city of Oslo recently started to adopt smart lighting using an advanced web based application and Telenor’s mobile services to control the city’s 80,000 street lights. This smart way of using ICT in the city’s daily operations will result in less wasted electricity and a cost savings of up 50 percent of its annual budget of 60 million NOK,” Haug added.

How can you use ICT solutions to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions?

  1. Smartmeeting: Use video conferencing solutions instead of actual travel when possible.
  2. Smart working: Telecommute to work once a week, and use unified communication solutions to simplify collaboration across geographical distance in project work.
  3. Smart computing: Both small and larger businesses could switch from using localized IT-servers and terminals to using cloud computing for many of their daily needs, such as customer data, email and groupware functions.
  4. Smart monitoring: Wireless communications is used to remotely monitor equipment such as utility meters, water pumps, parking meters and office equipment. Remote real-time meter reading or management of in-field equipment help companies improve efficiency, cut costs and deliver more value to the end customer.
  5. Smart cities:  Use of innovative digital services that enables real time monitoring and control and that will result in easy-to-use information for both citizens and businesses in their daily living. This will drive efficiencies in the use of energy and improve travel and transport systems in city areas.

Contact

Jan Kristensen, Director Climate Change, Group CR, Telenor Group

Mobile: +47 9083 8897 Email: jan.kristensen@telenor.com