Dubai Internet City and Arthur D. Little conduct survey on business value of green initiatives in regional telecom operators

The research survey examines the degree of integration of energy and carbon management into the company's business strategy and organization. It evaluates the levels of energy consumption among telecom operators in the Mena region while looking at key drivers that influence them to reduce their rate of power intake. It also identifies areas that could further improve the management of energy and carbon within the industry.

Out of the 34 telecom operators contacted across the region, 12 are participating in the study so far with interviews conducted at senior management level. Together, the operators serve about 64 million customers.

Results from the survey will guide telecom players in recognizing revenue generating opportunities through offering their services in a sustainable manner.

Malek Al Malek, Executive Director, Dubai Internet City, said:

"While sustainable energy and environment are currently the most discussed topics, it is interesting to see how the new wave of conservation measures can create concrete business benefits to the telecom sector. We are already witnessing a shift in the perception of green sustainability, from being a trophy gesture to a key tool that is being aligned to core business objectives. As a renowned ICT cluster that has established a reputation worldwide for its pioneering concepts, Dubai Internet City is proud to be associated with the survey that will bring immense benefits to the telecom industry."

A number of areas on carbon policies within companies are being addressed in the survey including the framework in which such policies exist, how an organization makes optimal use of energy consumption while reducing carbon emissions, as well as programmes and initiatives that save energy and help cut costs.

Davide Vassallo, Director of Arthur D. Little's Global Sustainability & Risk Practice said, "The study - the first of its kind in the region - has demonstrated that relevant improvement in managing energy and carbon emission can be done by telecom operators, with tangible and measurable benefits on cost reduction and brand value."

The ICT cluster continues to launch initiatives that look to explore fresh growth avenues and identify existing business opportunities that can be further augmented to nurture budding entrepreneurs in the region.