Environmental Impacts of the Telecom Sector and their Mitigation

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTGROUP 7

MEMBERS

• 002 Aditya Sharma

• 011 Amit Bhalani

• 031 Disha Jani

• 043 Kunal Mishra

• 050 Nakul Hurkat

Carbon FootprintGreen House Effect

Impacts on EnvironmentTerrestrial habitat alterationAquatic habitat alteration

Visual impactsHazardous materials and waste

Electric and magnetic fieldsEmissions to air

Noise

Occupational Health and SafetyElectromagnetic fieldsOptical fiber safety

Mitigation

Terrestrial Habitat Alteration

Impact

Construction RadiationAvian

collusion

Terrestrial Habitat Alteration

Recommendations

Construction

• Avoid

• Re-vegetation

Avian collusion

• Use bird deterrents

• Tower design & height

Aquatic Habitat Alteration

Recommendations

• Avoid

• Burying submarine cables

Visual impacts • Perception of the local community

• Aesthetic value assigned to the scenery

Recommendations• Minimizing construction of additional towers

• Use of tower and antennae disguising alternatives

• Public perception about aesthetic

Hazardous Materials and Waste

• Do not require the use of significant amounts of hazardous materials

• Certain types of switching and transmitting equipment

Recommended Actions

• Implementing fuel delivery procedures and spill prevention and control plans.

• Implementing procedures for the management of lead acid batteries

• Ensuring that new support equipment does not contain PCBs or ODSs.

Electric and Magnetic Fields

• Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are invisible lines of forceemitted by and surrounding any electrical device, such aspower lines and electrical equipment.’

• Radio waves and microwaves

• Evidence of adverse health risk is weak

Recommendations

• Evaluating potential exposure to the public

• Limiting public access to antennae tower locations

• Following good engineering practice in installation

• Taking into account public perception about EMF issues

Emissions to Air

Emissions from telecommunications projects may beprimarily associated with the operation of vehicle fleets, theuse of backup power generators, and the use of cooling andfire suppression systems.’

Recommended management actions to minimize emissionsinclude:

• Implementation of vehicle fleet andpower generator emissions managementstrategies

• Substitution in use of CFCs

Noise

‘The principal source of noise in telecommunications facilities is associated with the operation of backup power generators.’

• Recommended noise management action includes:

• Use of noise suppression shields and mufflers

• Location of noise generating sources away from residential

• Other noise-sensitive receptors

Occupational Health and Safety

Optical fiber safety

Electromagnetic fields

Electromagnetic fields

• EMF safety program including the following components

1. Identification of potential exposure levels in the workplace.

2. Training

3. Establishment and identification of safety zones

4. Implementation of action plans

Optical fiber safety

• Safety Measures

1. Training

2. Implementation of laser light safety

Greening the Telecom Sector

The Government

The Citizens

The Telecom Industry

Green Initiatives

• Green Touch – Bell Labs

• Green Shelter

• Use of Renewable Energy/ Bio Diesel

• Solar/ Fuel Powered Cell Sites

• Installation of Fuel Catalysts

• Installation of Free Cooling Units

• Bio Diesel Powered Cell Sites

Green Telecom Strategy

• Green Telecom Networks

• Green Manufacturing

• Waste Management

• Green Buildings

Green Telecom Networks

• Estimation of Carbon Footprints

• Minimization of Energy Consumption

• Use of Energy Efficient Technologies & Protocols

• Transitioning to Renewable Energy Sources

• Use of Eco Friendly Consumables

• Evolving a Carbon Credit Policy

Green Manufacturing

• Using Eco Friendly Components

• Energy Efficient Manufacturing Equipment

• Standardization of Equipment

• Reduction in Use of Hazardous Substances

• Reduction of Harmful Radio Emissions

• Adoption of Life Cycle Assessment Approach

Waste Disposal

• Proper Disposal of Mobile Phones & Network Equipment

• Ensuring Proper Treatment & Disposal of Toxic Material

• Electronic & Mechanical Waste Recycling & Disposal

Green Buildings

Optimization of Energy/ Power Consumption

Reduction of Thermal Emissions

Minimization of Green House Gas Emissions

Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA)

THANK YOU