Improved connectivity can save a total of 27.8 megatonnes of transport-related carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions between 2021 and 2035, according to a new report commissioned by Huawei.

This is the equivalent of taking 750,000 lorries off Britain’s roads or more than twice the annual CO2 emissions of Greater Manchester according to the report carried out by communications industry analyst Assembly.

The research claimed that reducing commutes and business travel could cut emissions by 23.2 megatonnes of CO2e by 2035, as a Zoom meeting can consume 99.4 per cent less carbon than some commutes.

In addition, the report also said that working from home just one day a week could save an average of 109kg of CO2e per person every year.

The report argued that the telecoms industry has a unique role to play in supporting businesses and industry to achieve their net-zero ambitions and should be seen as a “precious ally” of the Government.

Recommendations outlined by the report include ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support connected and autonomous vehicles and improving connectivity along railways to encourage commuters to consider swapping cars for trains.

The report also suggested committing to more trials of emerging transportation technologies and learning from pathfinder cities, increasing the pace of the rural broadband rollout where commutes are longer, and embracing hybrid working and support homeworkers to upgrade their broadband.

Share Story: