On August 25, O2 unveiled results of eco rating, the UK’s first sustainable rating system for mobile phones. The Sony Ericsson Elm tops the list of 65 mobile phones from six manufacturers, rated 4.3 out of 5. The scores reflect the environmental impact of a mobile phone, how it helps people lead more sustainable lives and the ethical performance of the manufacturer.
Eco rating has been developed in partnership with independent sustainability experts Forum for the Future, in close collaboration with handset manufacturers. There are 4.1 billion mobile phones in circulation worldwide with a combined carbon footprint over their lifetime of more than 100 million tones. With 1712 mobile phones being replaced every minute in the UK it’s easy to see how small improvements can make a huge difference.
Eco rating’s scoring system is based on data supplied by manufacturers (HTC, LG, Nokia, Palm, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson). It looks at the overall environmental impact of the device over its lifespan: the raw materials it contains; the impacts caused by its manufacture; its packaging; its longevity and energy efficiency; and how easy it is to reuse or recycle (information on methodology can be found here).
It considers the functionality of handsets, and highlights devices which help people live more sustainable lives, for example by replacing the need to own a separate camera or music player, or by providing software to plan journeys by public transport or on foot. It also takes into account the ethical performance of manufacturers including labour standards in the supply chain, safety and environmental principles, social inclusion and community programs, and carbon and water management.
Eco rating joins a number of initiatives from O2 designed to bring environmental products and services to its customers. Last year the company launched O2 Recycle which has to date paid out over £7m to customers recycling their old mobile phones. It also brought to market the Sony Ericsson Naite, the first of the manufacturer’s Greenheart range of mobile phones which had a 15% reduced carbon footprint. All of these initiatives fall under O2’s Think Big sustainability program which is enabling customers to make a real difference for people and the planet.