The benefits of reducing networks’ CO2 emissions

Global demand for bandwidth has never been greater. At the same time the pressure to achieve sustainability and climate targets is increasing. As a result, the carbon footprint of networks is a widely discussed issue. There are several benefits related to critically evaluating carbon emission aspects of products and processes. Not only can this support your own sustainability goals and lower operational costs – it can also ensure better CO2 performance across complete projects, which is becoming an increasingly important factor in the selection of partners and suppliers.

Current key trends

When a provider, operator or government commissions the rollout of a fibre network, sustainability is a more important consideration than ever. Everyone from incumbents and AltNets to equipment manufacturers is held to increasingly strict demands. This applies right across the entire supply chain – after all, the sustainability of an entire project will largely be determined by the ‘weakest link’ in that chain. However, expressing a commitment to CO₂ reduction isn’t enough: you need to be capable of backing up these claims.

As more countries aim to become carbon-neutral in the coming years it will be vital for operators to monitor and record the carbon emissions caused by networks, including all related processes. This will be particularly important for operators migrating from traditional copper technologies to fibre. In fact, CO₂ reduction will be a driver in efforts to switch off copper networks. For network owners, sustainably designed and executed networks can be key to supporting corporate CSR and environmental policies, but studies also show that environmentally aware practices have a positive effect on companies’ competitive performance.

Apart from helping improve your CO₂ performance, environmentally-friendly designs also support reduction of operational and business costs. Product eco-design means focusing on using less material, increasing the life span of components, and reducing weight. Light and thin cables can be packaged efficiently, with more cabling per drum, and  transported using less fuel, for example. Smart designs mean that packaging, cables and cable drums can be made, reused and dismantled in ways that produce less CO₂.

Longer lifespan minimises maintenance and repairs requirements and ensures fewer materials and less transport is needed. Reduced fault levels mean fewer Truck Rolls and therefore a reduction in carbon emissions. 

How we’re helping cut carbon emissions

For several years now, Nexans has been committed to reducing its own carbon footprint and has also been working with its customers to reduce the carbon impact of infrastructure. Nexans' solutions have been proven in the field: from cables and components to solutions for monitoring or damage prevention. Here are just a few examples of how we’re providing solutions that aim to support sustainable goals:

• Nexans' XPLORER™ optical drawers, widely used for coupling and cross-connects, benefited from advances in eco-design. By using reinforced thermoplastic instead of metal, the range significantly improves the environmental impact of the manufacturing phase on the 4 main indicators: global warming potential (44%), abiotic depletion of resources (93%), total primary energy consumption (59%), and net fresh water consumption 72%.
  Download the paper explaining  the analysis using methods developed by the PEPecopassport® programme.
   
• The INFRABIRD™ solution aims to avoid cabinet damage, break-ins and disconnections, and can trace and time-stamp interventions, as well as send alerts. Technicians can gain access by identifying themselves with their smartphone, open and close the cabinet, and update their reports. In addition to the maintenance savings made by the operators, the CO₂ reduction linked to the reduction in technician travel is estimated at 10,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent for 20,000 cabinets¹.
   
• Nexans' technician packs have been designed to group products needed to connect customers (PTO, offset cable, recycled jumper). By simplifying the associated logistics and optimizing packaging, technicians limit their weekly trips to pick up their equipment; this represents a reduction of more than 600 kg CO₂ equivalent per year per technician².
   
• Nexans' 250µm or 200µm blowable microcables are among the smallest on the market. They enable a reduction in weight and diameter and allow optimized sheath sizes. That means less material, less weight and volume to transport, and optimized civil engineering.
   
• We have started the switch to plastic-free bags and boxes, with our @XS range of optical outlets being the most recent to benefit. Like many in the industry, we recognize that we still have a long way to go and cannot be complacent. However, we are committed to making this change quickly and efficiently.” 
   

Make use of the advantages that fibre technology brings

Fibre optic technology offers several inherent benefits when it comes to CO₂ emission reduction. Its energy consumption is low, as a fibre network has fewer active components. Fibre networks emit 88% less greenhouse gasses per GB compared to legacy technologies³. Data transmission performance headroom means that just one kilogram of glass is as powerful as 1000 kilos of copper⁴. Looking at HD streaming, the lowest CO₂ emissions are produced when using a fibre optic connection⁵. 

Raw materials, including the silicate used for optical fibre, can be extracted or recycled with a relatively low carbon footprint. Lighter weight and smart product and packaging designs reduce transport and waste-related emissions.

By taking smart decisions when it comes to network design and product selection, these inherent benefits can be significantly leveraged. That means supporting your own environmental goals, reducing costs, and ensuring you’ll meet the ever-stricter demands of potential partners and customers.

Sources

1. Based on results of Nexans field trials with Orange which resulted in maintenance reduction of 45% and associated savings in material & travel emissions of technicians

2. Based on PEP calculations including estimated reduction in emissions resulting from reduced technician journeys

3. Study Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen for BREKO

4. wik.org

5. umweltbundesamt.de