TIA Celebrates Earth Day, Launches Sustainable Technology Awareness Campaign

Arlington, Va. – As industries worldwide are responding to the global challenge of reducing their carbon footprints, the telecommunications industry, at the forefront of technology, is taking a leadership role in developing viable and predictable solutions that address energy efficiency and help create sustainable growth.

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), which represents the global high-tech communications equipment manufacturers and suppliers, is launching a sustainable technology awareness campaign to inform industries on how to participate in developing sustainable technology and advise consumers of how they can reduce information and communications technology (ICT) energy consumption and recycle electronics.

"Creating viable sustainable technology is part of every conversation among TIA's volunteer engineering committees that are addressing ways to improve energy efficiency in data centers, networks and devices through standards development," said TIA President Grant Seiffert.

Standards work for more energy-efficient data centers continues in the Committee for Telecommunications Cabling Systems (TR-42). The Committee for Mobile and Personal Communications Systems Standards (TR-45) is collaborating in work to lower power transmitted from cells when experiencing little or low traffic such as in shopping centers at night, and tourist attractions.

"TIA is also advising Congress and government agencies on how ICT can be harnessed to significantly reduce carbon emissions in other more energy intensive sectors along with what actions industry is taking to decrease the environmental footprint of the ICT sector," said Seiffert.

TIA is supporting new initiatives such as the Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP), a rating system and guide managed by the STEP Foundation, a nonprofit organization comprised of technology trade associations representatives, their members and STEP supporters. At its core, STEP is intended to bring sustainability to the process of planning, designing, integrating and operating technology systems, as well as reduce long-term environmental impact from technology deployment.

"We also urge users of communications technology to be mindful of energy consumption through device chargers, which draw energy when plugged in even when not in use," Seiffert continued. "Please, unplug that charger on Earth Day and on the other 364 days of the year."

Also, "E-cycling" electronic items is critical to preserving landfill space and ensuring hazardous materials used to make electronics are properly disposed. TIA's Ecyclingcentral.com enables businesses and consumers to find reuse, recycling, and donation programs across the country, state by state, and includes an FAQ on recyclers and links to additional resources for recycling batteries or mercury-containing lamps. "This free resource is one way that TIA is paying it forward environmentally on behalf of its member companies," said Seiffert.

Additionally, during the TIA 2012: Inside the Network event taking place June 5-7, 2012 at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in Dallas, TIA and GreenTouch are hosting a Green ICT Education Track (sponsored by Greentouch and GENBAND). GreenTouch a consortium of leading ICT industry, academic and non-government research experts dedicated to dramatically improving the energy efficiency of ICT networks by a factor of 1,000. The Green ICT education track will showcase solutions and challenges for the telecommunications industry to realize scalable, carbon-neutral ICT networks that will form the cornerstone for affordable and sustainable living.

For Earth Day, TIA recommends 5 simple tips for consumers:

• Power down and unplug battery chargers for devices and all communications technology products connected to the power grid when not in use
• E-cycle all consumer electronics and byproducts such as batteries
• Consider teleworking if your employer has a plan in place, or, if not, suggest a plan
• Create a Smart Home – take advantage of technology advances and new applications to increase energy efficiency in your home
• Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing home electronics and appliances

Learn more about TIA's Sustainability initiatives.

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the manufacturers and suppliers of global information and communications technology (ICT) networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. Since 1924, TIA has been enhancing the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org.

Join TIA at its annual Member Meeting, Conference and Exhibition, TIA 2012: Inside the Network, June 5-7, 2012 in Dallas. For details go to tia2012.org.

TIA's 2012 Market Review & Forecast is available. Purchase online at the TIA store. Review copies are available for qualified media.

View video news programming on TIA NOW at tianow.org.

TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Read ANSI's report, "Standards Boost Business" at standardsboostbusiness.org/.

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS Solutions, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, Dow Chemical Company, Ericsson, Inc., FAL Associates, GENBAND, Inc., Henkels & McCoy, Juniper Networks, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, LGE, Microsoft, Motorola Mobility, Motorola Solutions, Nokia Siemens Networks, Numerex Corp., OneChip Photonics, Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Qualcomm, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tarana Wireless, Inc., Tellabs, TE Connectivity, Walker and Associates and WirefreeCom, Inc.