Ericsson exceeded its targets for cutting energy use in 2008, according to a newly published Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report from the company. In 2008, Ericsson set its first Group-level carbon footprint target, aiming for a 40 percent reduction over five years, and starting with a 10 percent reduction in 2009. Initiatives include reducing its own energy-consumption, improving the energy efficiency of both GSM and WCDMA radio base stations as well as other products, and encouraging the use of communications to accelerate the shift from physical to virtual infrastructure and services, contributing to the creation of a low-carbon economy.
Carl-Henric Svanberg says: “During 2008, our technology has been used around the globe to reduce energy consumption and the corresponding CO2 emissions, demonstrating our firm belief that telecommunications is both an essential part of the equation in solving global climate change and critical to the development of more carbon-lean societies.
“At the same time, we have shown that our technology has the power to change lives. We have played a crucial role in bringing telecommunications to the poorest of the poor in sub-Saharan Africa, by harnessing the power of telecommunications as a tool for accessing basic services and information and improving people’s lives.”
The 44-page report also includes details on the performance of Ericsson’s risk-based approach to monitoring compliance with its Supplier Code of Conduct. The Code ensures that suppliers understand and meet Ericsson’s requirements for environmental and social standards, and reflects the company’s commitment to being an agent of change.
http://www.ericsson.com/corporate_responsibility
