Exploit ICT to reduce global warming: Nokia Siemens Networks at COP15

Copenhagen, Denmark - December 17, 2009

Unique role of telecoms and computing to support all industries in efforts to be more energy efficient; work required to achieve enabling regulation

Stephan Scholz, the chief technology officer of Nokia Siemens Networks, today virtually joined the COP15 summit to emphasize the unique ability that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has to foster environmentally sustainable development.

“ICT is fundamental to measuring and directly improving energy efficiency across all industries, including its own, which makes it different from all the other industry sectors”, Scholz said during his presentation for the ‘iSeeT@theClimateChangeKiosk’ exhibition at the UN Climate Change Conference. Demonstrating its potential, Scholz gave his presentation “virtually”, via TelePresence from Espoo, Finland.

“The potential of ICT to have a positive impact on climate change has been recognized by many global studies*, but this understanding has to be brought to the attention of governments for them to take this into consideration when defining environmental policies. In a favorable business environment, maximizing the positive impact of ICT supports environmentally sustainable development and makes other sectors more intelligent“, Scholz said.

In line with this thinking the company recently announced that it is using its existing portfolio combined with new partnerships to address opportunities in the energy sector. The energy sector can benefit from the technologies and expertise gathered from the telecommunications sector and apply it to make power grids more intelligent and efficient, reducing the overall need for power.

“Besides taking and sharing the intelligence of ICT with other industries, we are constantly working on minimizing our, and our customers’ carbon footprint*. Around 86 percent of energy used by a mobile operator is consumed by their network, which is also a significant cost factor. We have the industry’s most comprehensive range of Energy Solutions for telecoms operators, which highlights our long commitment to this topic”, Scholz concludes.

The iSeeT@theClimateChangeKiosk exhibition space gives an opportunity to share information about ICT-related projects undertaken by governments, the United Nations and other inter-governmental, non-governmental and media organizations on their own or with private sector partners. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is contributing to the exhibition by a special program of daily "business talks" by leaders in the ICT sector.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland.
www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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*Notes to editors

1.    The SMART 2020 report (2008) by the Climate Group on behalf of the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) found that Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) could save 7.8 Gt CO2e in 2020, or 15% of global emissions in 2020.

Mobile’s Green Manifesto (2009) by GSMA demonstrates the key role that mobile communications can play in lowering emissions in other sectors and industries. It also makes specific policy recommendations for governments and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

2.    Nokia Siemens Networks and environmentally sustainable business: key milestones
November 2007: First phase of Energy Efficiency solution launched
January 2008: Global partnership signed with WWF
March 2008: Renewable energy announced for being the first choice for remote base station sites by 2011
June 2008: First infrastructure vendor to join WWF’s Climate Savers program
November 2009: Second phase of Energy Solutions launched
November 2009: Nokia Siemens Networks pursues applications, partnerships in energy sector