Nokia E7-00 - joint winner in O2's eco ratings
O2 has revealed its new Eco rating scores, showing which mobile phones are the most environmentally friendly. Nokia comes out the winner with the number one position and three handsets in the top six.
Nokia scores highly
The O2 Eco rating ranks the six most sustainable mobiles as:
• joint 1st – Nokia C6-01 with 4.1 points
• joint 1st – Nokia E7-00 with 4.1 points
• joint 2nd – Samsung Galaxy Mini with 4 points
• joint 2nd – Samsung Galaxy Ace with 4 points
• joint 2nd – Sony Ericsson X8 with 4 points
• joint 2nd – Nokia C7-02 with 4 points
Scores based on environment, ethics & sustainability
The mobile Eco rating scheme was launched in August 2010 with input from sustainability experts Forum for the Future. Some 90% of all handsets on sale by O2 are now given a score between 0 and 5, based on its environmental impact, the manufacturer’s ethical record and how the device lets people lead more sustainable lives.
The environmental impact of the handset is judged by:
• the raw materials it contains
• the impact caused by its manufacture
• its packaging
• its energy efficiency and longevity
• how easy it is to recycle or reuse
The manufacturer’s ethical record is judged by:
• labour standards in its production and supply
• its social inclusion and community programmes
• safety and environmental principles
• water and carbon management
The sustainable living condition is judged by things like if the handset means the user no longer needs a separate camera or MP3 player, and if it provides software to plan journeys by foot or public transport.
Ratings published in-store
Nokia C6-01 - joint winner in O2's eco ratings
The final ratings are all then published online and at the point of purchase in O2 stores. It’s the only scheme of its kind to give phone buyers the full eco picture.
“Although the environmental impact of a mobile phone may seem trivial when compared to say a car or fridge, when you consider the vast volumes of mobiles in circulation across the globe, their impact adds up,” said Simon Lee-Smith, O2’s Head of Devices.
“We know more and more customers want this level of product transparency and we’re very grateful to the handset manufacturers for their engagement with Eco rating.”
Part of O2’s wider sustainability programme
The Eco rating scheme is just one important part of O2’s Think Big sustainability programme, which includes initiatives like an ethical handset recycling scheme and the launch of a universal phone charger.
Cynics might say that the Eco rating scheme is just another marketing ploy by O2 to get you to buy a new mobile phone. And while O2 are undoubtedly in the business of selling mobiles, company-led green initiatives like this are not to be sniffed at. If phone buyers have the facts in front of them, this will surely put pressure on manufacturers to up their eco credentials.
