True north: a guide to green network evolution
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True north: a guide to green network evolution
Energy efficiency and sustainability have become critical priorities in recent years. However, efficiency remains difficult to quantify, measure and benchmark effectively. The stems from diverse interpretations of efficiency and the lack of standardised metrics to evaluate progress across industries.
The complexity of reorienting network strategy around sustainability means a clear framework is key for prioritising when and where actions should be taken. This report outlines such a framework, offering telecoms operators and their suppliers a ‘true north’ to guide decision-making.
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True north: a guide to green network evolution
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