International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has approved an energy-efficient one-charger-fits-all new mobile phone solution.
In a press statement, ITU said, “Every mobile phone user will benefit from the new Universal Charging Solution (UCS), which enables the same charger to be used for all future handsets, regardless of make and model. In addition to dramatically cutting the number of chargers produced, shipped and subsequently discarded as new models become available, the new standard will mean users worldwide will be able to charge their mobiles anywhere from any available charger, while also reducing the energy consumed while charging.”
ITU explains that the new phone charger is based on input from the GSMA, which predicts a 50 per cent reduction in standby energy consumption and a subsequent reduction of 13.6 million tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions each year.
GSMA represents interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry, and is focused on innovating, incubating and creating new opportunities for its membership, all with the end goal of driving the growth of the mobile communications industry.
Malcolm Johnson, ITU’s Director of Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), said, "This is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of mobile charging, which also has the benefit of making mobile phone use more straightforward. Universal chargers are a commonsense solution that I look forward to seeing in other areas."
The UCS chargers will include a 4-star or higher efficiency rating - up to three times more energy-efficient than an unrated charger.
The impact of ICTs on the environment has been a longstanding concern for the ITU. Since 1947, ITU and its members have adopted several Resolutions on environment in general and on climate change in particular.
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