The Impact of Networks in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of a Major European CSP

Assessing the overall carbon footprint associated with the entire value chain of a mobile operator can be a tedious task. The evaluation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the information and communications technology sector is done with a substantial uncertainty due to the use of monetary emission factors. This paper analyzes the progressive implementation of a physical methodology based on physical emission factors and life cycle assessment of each product/service associated with a typical fix and mobile operator. The GHG Protocol divided greenhouse gas emissions into scopes. Scope 1 and 2 emissions primarily involve gas and fuel ignition (scope 1) and electricity generation for operations (scope 2), while scope 3 emissions consist in other indirect emissions, including the emissions of suppliers and clients. Many operators are committed to reduce their scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in compliance with the European climate law, under which European countries must cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This study presents an applicable methodology which examines different categories of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the activities of a communications service provider, and identifies the factors influencing energy consumption and carbon footprint in networks. Various fixed and mobile connectivities are modeled to assess their carbon footprint.