Verizon has taken yet another step toward adopting a sustainability program. The program is geared toward the reduction of the carbon footprint of its global operations and consists of a series of new initiatives and an expansion of existing efforts.
As a part Of this initiative, the company has adopted a policy of using green products and services. One of the initiatives aims at significantly increasing the number of alternative vehicles in the company's fleet at the time of conducting a trial of energy-efficient FiOS (News - Alert)-TV set-top boxes.
Verizon is committed to environmental causes and the new initiative is expected to make more value addition in the ways of introducing a few practical and innovative ways for reducing Greenhouse gas emission.
"Customer demand for Verizon (News - Alert)'s broadband and wireless technology is driving the growth of our high-IQ networks, but we're growing responsibly," said James Gowen, Verizon's chief sustainability officer. "We're partnering with other businesses, suppliers, employees and our customers to dramatically increase the sustainability of our supply chain and operations. This approach positions the company for growth in future markets while creating lasting social value."
Some of the initiatives Verizon is launching this year include:
Adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles in the Verizon fleet in 2010. Verizon is purchasing more than 1,100 alternative energy vehicles including hybrid and compressed natural gas-powered aerial trucks and vans, and hybrid pick-up trucks and sedans. The company will also increase its use of biodiesel and flex-fuel (E85) to power 470 vehicles.
Verizon has teamed up with Motorola (News - Alert) to trial eco-friendly set-top boxes for FiOS TV customers in select markets. The new QIP models use significantly less energy than existing models. A DVR model will boast increased digital video-recording storage capacity. Packaging for both models will be 100 percent recyclable and made from 75 percent recycled cardboard.
Kicked off a long-term awareness campaign to educate, encourage and make it easy for Verizon's 220,000 employees to cut energy use, recycle and reuse at work and home. Recent examples include free electronic recycling days, open to the public, at various company locations including the company's Operations Center in Basking Ridge, N.J., (April 21) and its facility in Ashburn, Va. (April 21). All materials collected during the campaign will be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Verizon's IT, security, communications and network expertise are helping the utility sector ramp up smart grid deployment. The company's intelligent IP and wireless networks provide an ideal foundation for the smart grid's control and metering functions.
Madhubanti Rudra is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Alice Straight
