Life cycle assessment of second generation (2G) and third generation (3G) mobile phone networks

Scharnhorst, Wolfram; Hilty, Lorenz M.; Jolliet, Olivier

doi:10.1016/j.envint.2006.03.001

Cited by 69 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…The life cycle of networks has been studied in isolation (Malmodin et al 2001;Emmenegger et al 2006). Further studies have explored the decommissioning of the network infrastructure (Scharnhorst et al 2006;Scharnhorst 2005), specifically the transition from GSM (2G) to UMTS (3G) networks and how the transition time between the two should be minimised to avoid unnecessary environmental burden. Articles by Schaefer et al (2003), Yu et al (2010), Ercan (2013) and Malmodin et al (2010) provide an estimate of the energy use per user for various mobile networks.…”

Section: Network Scopementioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is estimated that in 2018 each smartphone will transfer 1.9 GB per month in data traffic compared to 1 GB per month in 2015 (Ericsson 2013). Further studies have explored the life cycle of 2G compared to 3G mobile networks in terms of a multitude of impact categories (Scharnhorst et al 2006). In order to investigate the potential impact that the network may contribute to a smartphone, the energy consumption given as kWh per subscriber, must be converted to kgCO 2 -eq.…”

Section: Network Scopementioning

confidence: 99%

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Redefining scope: the true environmental impact of smartphones?

Suckling

Lee

2015

Int J Life Cycle Assess

101

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Purpose The aim of this study is to explore the literature surrounding the environmental impact of mobile phones and the implications of moving from the current business model of selling, using and discarding phones to a product service system based upon a cloud service. The exploration of the impacts relating to this shift and subsequent change in scope is explored in relation to the life cycle profile of a typical smartphone. Methods A literature study is conducted into the existing literature in order to define the characteristics of a Btypicalŝ martphone. Focus is given to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in different life cycle phases in line with that reported in the majority of literature. Usage patterns from literature are presented in order to show how a smartphone is increasingly responsible for not only data consumption but also data generation. The subsequent consequences of this for the balance of the life cycle phases are explored with the inclusion of wider elements in the potential expanded mobile infrastructure, such as servers and the network. Results and discussion From the available literature, the manufacturing phase is shown to dominate the life cycle of a Btypical^smartphone for GHG emissions. Smartphone users are shown to be increasingly reliant upon the internet for provision of their communications. Adding a server into the scope of a smartphone is shown to increase the use phase impact from 8.5 to 18.0 kg CO 2 -eq, other phases are less affected. Addition of the network increases the use phase by another 24.7 kg CO 2 -eq. In addition, it is shown that take-back of mobile phones is not effective at present and that prompt return of the phones could result in reduction in impact by best reuse potential and further reduction in toxic emissions through inappropriate disposal. Conclusions The way in which consumers interact with their phones is changing, leading to a system which is far more integrated with the internet. A product service system based upon a cloud service highlights the need for improved energy efficiency to make greatest reduction in GHG emissions in the use phase, and gives a mechanism to exploit residual value of the handsets by timely return of the phones, their components and recovery of materials.

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Section: Network Scopementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Network Scopementioning

confidence: 99%

Redefining scope: the true environmental impact of smartphones?

Suckling

Lee

2015

Int J Life Cycle Assess

101

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“…The first LCA studies on fixed line [95] and mobile telephone networks [96][97][98][99][100] were published after 2000.…”

Section: Energy Demand Throughout the Life Cycle Of Ict Devicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Energy Demand of ICT: A Historical Perspective and Current Methodological Challenges

Aebischer¹,

Hilty

2014

Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing

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This chapter provides an overview of energy demand issues in the field of ICT with a focus on the history of measuring, modelling and regulating ICT electricity consumption and the resulting methodological challenges. While the energy efficiency of ICT hardware has been dramatically improving and will continue to improve for some decades, the overall energy used for ICT is still increasing. The growing demand for ICT devices and services outpaces the efficiency gains of individual devices. Worldwide per capita ICT electricity consumption exceeded 100 kWh/year in 2007 (a value which roughly doubles if entertainment equipment is included) and is further increasing. Methodological challenges include issues of data collection and modelling ICT devices and services, assessing the entire life cycle of ICT devices and infrastructures, ac-counting for embedded ICT, and assessing the effect of software on ICT energy consumption. Abstract. This chapter provides an overview of energy demand issues in the field of ICT with a focus on the history of measuring, modelling and regulating ICT electricity consumption and the resulting methodological challenges. While the energy efficiency of ICT hardware has been dramatically improving and will continue to improve for some decades, the overall energy used for ICT is still increasing. The growing demand for ICT devices and services outpaces the efficiency gains of individual devices. Worldwide per capita ICT electricity consumption exceeded 100 kWh/year in 2007 (a value which roughly doubles if entertainment equipment is included) and is further increasing. Methodological challenges include issues of data collection and modelling ICT devices and services, assessing the entire life cycle of ICT devices and infrastructures, accounting for embedded ICT, and assessing the effect of software on ICT energy consumption.

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“…Life-cycle assessments of mobile telecommunications systems highlight the energy used to operate system components, e.g. radio base stations, but also assess manufacturing and end-of-life aspects (Scharnhorst, Hilty and Jolliet, 2006). In the case of bio-based ethanol production for fuel for motor vehicles, LCAs are important for capturing all related environmental impacts, e.g.…”

Section: Ict Product Life Cyclementioning

confidence: 99%

Greener and Smarter

Mickoleit

2010

OECD Green Growth Papers

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Life cycle assessment of second generation (2G) and third generation (3G) mobile phone networks

Cited by 69 publications

References 21 publications

Redefining scope: the true environmental impact of smartphones?

Redefining scope: the true environmental impact of smartphones?

The Energy Demand of ICT: A Historical Perspective and Current Methodological Challenges

Greener and Smarter

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