Ericsson has been named the overall sustainability leader in a study conducted by ABI Research that evaluated the capabilities of telecom vendors to reduce energy use and waste across the industry.
ABI ranked more than 80 telco vendors and suppliers based on the two key areas of implementation and impact. The assessment provided a matrixed view of the ecosystem of companies that can best support service providers in their drive toward improved sustainability.
Ericsson led the assessment overall for implementation, ranking highest for sustainable networks and business, and number one in the main RAN (radio access network) categories, including Massive MIMO, 5G RAN, AI-driven software, and antenna solutions, according to ABI’s “Sustainability Assessment: Telco Technology Suppliers” research report.
In terms of impact, Ericsson also topped the list among vendors for its Net Zero emission targets. The company expects to halve its value-chain emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2040. Ericsson has also committed to becoming Net Zero in its own activities by 2030.
Assessment Methodology
Vendors and suppliers were scored in each equipment category against a set of impact and implementation criteria weighted in terms of their importance, ability to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and the levels at which the equipment has been implemented across the industry.
The final stage took each company’s aggregated overall score and grouped the companies into relevant market segments (traditional vendors, non-traditional vendors, software vendors, and chipset and component vendors). Ericsson ranked first in this overall score.
As a “product impact example,” ABI Research highlights the triple-band, tri-sector Radio 6646, which cuts energy use by 40% compared to triple-band single-sector radios and is 60% lighter (less aluminum used in the product).
ABI Research also assessed Ericsson’s other sustainability efforts, such as its Global Product Take-Back Program, as well as Ericsson’s initiative with its strategic suppliers to set their own 1.5°C-aligned climate targets.
The Ericsson USA 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, is one example of sustainable manufacturing practices by the company highlighted in the report. The factory has been recognized as a global front-runner in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and awarded by the World Economic Forum with the prestigious “Global Lighthouse” designation.
Being named the leader in ABI Research’s sustainability assessment is a recognition of the efforts and achieved results of Ericsson’s Net Zero ambition.