Beyond the green network – waste and the Circular Economy

Sustainability extends beyond the network, and beyond energy-efficiency and power-reduction measures. One of the most talked about areas concerns the circular economy – the idea that you can design out waste and pollution, by reusing, remaking and recycling products. It will also help to minimise carbon emissions and reduce manufacturing energy costs by extending product lifecycles. But how does this impact telcos? How can they contribute to – and benefit from – the circular economy? How will it help them with their overall sustainability targets?
The idea of the circular economy continues to gain interest but what does it actually mean?
Have operators been slow to take action on e-waste and the circular economy?
What actions can be taken for customer equipment, including smartphones and accessories?
And are there similar measures that can be taken on networking hardware and infrastructure?
What is the cost and return on investment of the circular economy for telcos?