The evidence of climate change and human-activity-related warming of the climate system has led many industries to seek green technology alternatives. There are many proposed solutions for more sustainable technology and fuel sources, from solar power to recyclable materials. Find out how environmentally aware technology affects the communications industry and explore its role in ongoing climate concerns.
Green Technology: A Greenomics Definition
Greenomics refers to the use of green products and technology. Green tech is a sub-branch of technology that focuses on environmentally friendly manufacturing and operating techniques. In some cases, the goal is to simply reduce the environmental impact of a particular technological system. In other cases, green technology may actually promote climate restoration or recycle materials.
Green tech is a growing trend in many industries. While these features of the movement apply to the telecommunications industry, they can also apply to other areas of the global economy. Environmental issues can be widespread and decisions in one part of the globe can affect the environment in other areas. It’s essential for greenomics to expand across industrial and national borders to create a unified strategy to reduce the effects of climate change.
Alternative Energy Sources
One major trend in green tech, and greenomics in general, is to move toward alternative energy sources. Fossil fuel burning is a major source of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. Cars and trucks create a significant amount of nitrogen oxide emissions, but industrial operations and coal-fired power plants also add to the issue.
Through solar power, wind power, and other energy sources, industries can adopt green tech to reduce their fossil fuel consumption and emissions. These alternative energy sources are seeking ways to help industries continue to operate in the same way but with greener energy.
Solar power is the most affordable alternative energy, according to the International Energy Agency. Whether facilities install their own solar panels or invest in the industry, this low-cost option may be a key step in moving away from fossil fuel dependence in the future.
Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Techniques
At the same time, some manufacturing techniques can be tailored to fit a more environmentally friendly model. Reducing waste and excess energy use can promote greenomics, which are complementary strategies to using green energy. Increased energy efficiency is also a benefit in itself, reducing the operating costs for the facility.
Recycling Opportunities
There are many products in the communication systems industry and other industries that were created using fossil fuels and environmentally unfriendly practices. While switching manufacturing methods can prevent future damage, companies can seek recycling opportunities to repurpose some of the existing products and materials.
For example, facilities can ensure cabling, servers, and other components are effectively recycled when replaced. Even when reusing existing materials isn’t an efficient option, recycling can reduce the amount of waste generated by a facility for a more environmentally friendly strategy.
The Climate Concerns of Communications Systems
Greenomics can be a global phenomenon, but how does it relate specifically to the telecommunications industry? The industry not only contributes to current climate issues but can also play a part in adopting green technology. Explore climate concerns of communication systems and alternative green systems and products to reduce fossil fuel consumption. See how you can take the next step in creating a climate resilient green economy.
Telecommunications Power Consumption
The telecommunication industry is responsible for an estimated 2% to 3% of humanity’s total power consumption. As an industry, this means communications technologies play a significant role in the global environmental impact.
Faster networks require more power and more data centers. As the number of servers, routers, switches, and wires increases, so does the amount of electricity needed.
Heat Output of Communications Equipment
In addition to the overall electrical usage, servers and other networking equipment generate heat during normal operation. The amount of heat generated alone may not necessarily be an issue, but it requires methods of dissipating it for safe functioning of the communications systems. This means increased air conditioner use, liquid cooling systems, and other strategies in data centers throughout the world.
Materials Used and Recycling Strategies
The telecommunications industry has many components made of recyclable materials. Recycling may not be as significant of a factor as reducing consumption, but it can still promote a more green future. The industry should identify ways to improve recycling efforts and consider using materials that are easily repurposed or recycled for a more greenomics outlook.
Creating a Climate Resilient Green Economy Communications Systems
The next steps toward a green economy may present a challenge, but creating more environmentally friendly networking systems isn’t an impossible goal. Here are some strategies that corporations can consider when working toward a more client resilient economy.
Reducing Power Consumption
Future communication technology should use less power. Even with a transition to greener energy solutions, energy-efficient solutions can help increase connection speeds without excessive heat and electrical usage.
This solution can start with choosing more energy-efficient switches. Passive optical networks can also be a solution in some situations. Check with a networking expert for industry-specific solutions related to your cables, servers, or other systems.
Creating More Efficient Connections
Running fewer high-speed circuits rather than clusters of lower-speed circuits can create more energy-efficient connections. Future communication technology may rely on even fewer circuits that generate less heat and require less electricity to accomplish the same or higher networking speeds.
For many data centers, however, there are few ways they can increase their efficiency. Many data centers are already highly efficient centers of networking, so the industry needs to move toward greener energy sources and other strategies to promote greenomics.
Work Towards Green Technology Solutions With Equal Optics
Adopting green technology isn’t an overnight process, but with the experienced assistance of Equal Optics, you can identify initial steps toward a greener future. Contact us today to see how energy-efficient networking solutions can help you stay connected while limiting the environmental impact of your communications systems. From a few connected computers to a large network of data centers, you can do your part in promoting a greener future.
