interview with Ahmed Zeddam
what is the Group’s contribution on these subjects?
The Group is deeply committed in the sustainable development domain, both in terms of solutions offered to our customers and in corporate social responsibility (CSR). As such, for many years the Group has been looking into the themes of climate change and the impact of ICTs, spearheading a proactive policy in these areas, consistent with its standardization actions, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and implementing a sustainable development energy policy. Orange is also undertaking several actions to collect and recycle mobile phones, for instance.
Through our knowledge of the subject, our R&D capabilities and our world-renowned expertise, in a way we play a leader role for these issues within Study Group 5. Several of our employees have thus been appointed to rapporteur or associate rapporteur positions on particularly critical issues for the Group – ICT environmental impact assessment methodologies, equipment energy efficiency, electronic waste management, equipment protection, etc.
where do we stand as regards reflections on the standardization of a universal charger?
Up to now, no standards relating to a universal charger have been finalized, mainly due to the fact that manufacturers are against this. At the ITU, we supported a prior proposal from the GSM Association, until the release of the first L.1000 recommendation in 2009, in the form of an eco-design charger with a detachable cable, but without a single connector. This initial solution was not entirely satisfactory, and we reworked it to achieve consensus last May in terms of the standardization of a genuine single universal charger.
to what extent will this change the telecoms environment?
We agreed on impose a USB micro-connector, but we have given the industry a transition period of three years to comply with it. It will allow any portable appliance (tablet, MP3 player, etc.) to be charged, while the detachable cable may also be used for the transfer of data to a PC. Energy efficiency has also been optimized. Even when it is not charging, this charger has the lowest possible consumption level (less than 0.03 W). Chargers manufactured according to this new standard will be safer, use materials that are more respectful of the environment and user directives will remind them of the need to unplug their charger when they are not using it, which will further lessen the environmental impact of recharging.
To summarize, the volume of electronic waste will be considerably lower, devices will be easier to recycle, and charger consumption will be lower. These are sizeable victories in the fight against climate change!
what do you learn at the head of a group responsible for work that is international in scope and involves almost 130 participants from varied horizons?
It is a very motivating, inspiring and enriching work environment, and it is a real opportunity to be able to develop within it. 192 nations are represented at the ITU and there are 700 associate members (manufacturers): the situation helps open up incredible horizons!
Beyond this mix of cultures, in technical terms, the ITU also allows its participants to benchmark themselves against others, to create strategic partnerships between manufacturers and operators, and it gives France Telecom-Orange the opportunity to make its voice heard and to highlight its expertise.
