An interesting white paper from Ericsson, about how to achieve energy-efficient, sustainable mobile communications through network optimization, site optimization and alternative energy sources.

Ericsson projects regarding sustainability includes the use of renewable energy for both network equipment and also some other small projects as solar power mobile chargers.

One example is with China Mobile, running 252 wind and solar sites in Inner Mongolia. Photo from Ericsson.

Solar powered mobile charger. Photo from Ericsson.

In my opinion, this type of work is a good example of the relation between ICT and Sustainable Development, both by:

+ ICTD: Providing connectivity in developing rural areas, closing the digital divide.

+ Green IT: Reducing the environmental impact of  ICT infrastructure.

And example of optimization enabled by the pervasiveness of mobile phones.

Why having the lights on all night? Why not turning them on just when someone needs them? Some communities in Germany have used different mobile phone based system just for that. Walking home at night? Just call a number and your route will illuminate for a limited time. The system is used also for more concrete applications as illuminating sport areas.

Image from http://www.dial4light.de

Possibilities of using near field communications for that? combination with more simple movement sensors?with route planning? With renting bikes systems? Problems with privacy? Advantages of letting know your position when walking home at night.

A fine example of optimization using ICT.

Via Treehugger.

Dial4Light

PIugg-in car, originally uploaded by It’s a mobile world.

In kth campus.