The majority of emissions from mobile devices is ‘phantom power’ which is the energy used by chargers that are left plugged in but are not actually in use. Phantom power is set to decrease as “smart chargers” are introduced which turn off when a device is not connected. The absolute footprint of mobile phones is therefore only expected to increase by 4% between 2002 and 2020, as the sharp decrease in energy consumption by chargers will go a long way to offset the growth in number of handsets9
. A set of
guiding principles for eco-design has also been drafted to ensure the lifecycles of products are as efficient and environmentally sound as possible.
Whilst striving for a reduction in carbon emissions in its operations, Virgin Media also recognises the opportunities presented by investment in rainforests which act as powerful carbon sinks. Virgin Media has been working
with The Forest Trust10
on a pioneering initiative called
The Climate Tree in the Congo Basin; helping to launch a Centre for Social Excellence for the Forests of the Congo Basin, to train African graduates and professionals in forest and land management. Virgin Media has also supported the first ever indigenous people’s language radio station in the Congo which broadcasts to over 16,000 people, allowing locals to communicate with the logging companies and between tribes11
.
Waste
The shelf life of mobile handsets has become increasingly short as old handsets make way for new designs. Change could be on the horizon, as service upgrades are becoming possible without needing to trade in the phone, thereby extending the life of the device itself. Virgin Mobile companies have worked together to develop a Group environmental position, Globile Policy, which was formalised in 2008 and agreed by all Managing Directors
Dematerialisation
Virgin Media and the mobile companies are contributing to dematerialisation in a variety of ways such as by enabling remote working and teleconferencing, which will play a substantial role in reducing emissions. There are still, however, barriers to the adoption of these technologies which need to be overcome. Remote working has been slow to take off due to feelings of isolation, lack of colleague collaboration and difficulties in performance management. The next generation of professionals however, are already significantly more experienced in using collaborative technologies (social networking and mobile use) and so may develop very different ways of working thus increasing dematerialisation. Plus, we may find that future technological breakthroughs, as yet unidentified, could further alter the way we live and work.
9. The Climate Group and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (June 2008). SMART 2020: Enabling the low carbon economy in the information age. (http://www.theclimategroup.org/assets/resources/publications/Smart2020ReportSummary.pdf)
10. Previously known as The Tropical Forest Trust (www.tropicalforesttrust.com) 11. Virgin Media 2009 Report (http://cr.virginmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/reports/Virgin-Media-Responsibility-Report-2009.pdf)
The radio station in the Congo which allows locals to communicate with the logging companies and between tribes (The Forest Trust).
44
The Forest Trust (Photo by E. Parker)
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