The IP Scene is Green II

The last blog noted that the infrastructure required for IP Communications uses far fewer resources than similarly sized TDM networks. A Broadvox data center requires less power, construction materials, air conditioning and space than a Verizon central office switching center. Therefore, transitioning to VoIP/SIP Trunking is a key step in being a good steward of the earth.

The most common defense for the IP ecosystem being green has been that it allows for more telecommuters and provides more features and benefits to those workers. Two years ago, the Consumer Electronics Association commissioned a study that identified 3.9 million American workers telecommuted.  At that time, it was estimated those workers saved 840 million gallons of gas per year, resulting in the prevention of 14 million tons of CO2 emissions. Obviously, all of those numbers have changed since the publication of the study in September of 2007. Moreover, the technology supported by IP communications has expanded as well.

The successful deployment of telepresence conferencing should increase the number of telecommuters and decrease the number people flying to various meetings. Moreover, the obvious savings is fuel consumption but there are several additional positive impacts on the environment as well:

·         Telecommuters use less paper than their office counterparts

·         Telecommuters require less business office space reducing the amount of construction materials, land and heating and air conditioning

·         Telecommuters tend to drive less in general than workers that commute. This is thought to be a result of not having to leave the home to conduct work every morning

·         Telecommuters tend to leverage their personal equipment in the performance of their jobs requiring fewer computers, printers and fax machines

·         Telecommuters contribute to reducing traffic congestion, thereby improving commuting times and reducing fuel consumption for everyone

It is very clear that the increase in market penetration of IP communications will help the environment and reduce green house gases. Being a green technology feels pretty good.

See you on Monday with another new recipe. Have a great weekend!