Environment

Broadband's benefits extend to the air we breathe, how much energy we use, how we shop and even how we travel. Broadband is also unleashing innovative solutions to address the growing concern over global climate change.

• The broadband-fueled information, communications and technology sectors (ICT) can reduce emissions in the U.S. by up to 22% by 2020 through environmentally friendly practices, such as smart logistics, smart buildings and a smart power grid, and by reducing travel through video conferencing and telework.
  Global e-Sustainability Initiative, Smart 2020 U.S., 11/2008
• Broadband-enabled Smart Grid technology may reduce up to 30% of electricity consumption by eliminating inefficiencies in how power is generated, distributed and used by consumers.
  Energy Predictions 2010, Deloitte, 11/2009
• Smart meter technologies have the ability to allow consumers to take advantage of off-peak pricing, helping consumers save up to 20% on their electricity bills.
  Energy Predictions 2010, Deloitte, 11/2009
• Broadband-enabled, real-time energy pricing allows businesses and consumers to see exactly how much they are paying for energy at different times of the day. This can help save up to $15 billion in energy costs by the year 2020.
  Smart 2020 U.S. Report Addendum, Smart 2020, 11/2008
• Fully deploying Smart Grid efficiencies and technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 25% - the equivalent of taking up to 2 million cars off the road every year.
  EPRI projection, as cited in "Smart Grids," U.S. Department of Energy Website
• E-commerce centers have approximately one-third smaller carbon footprint than a brick and mortar store. Why? Because typically the largest cost to the environment of traditional shopping is consumers driving their cars to and from the store.
  Carnegie Mellon Green Design Institute as cited in "The Green Side of Online Shopping," Wall Street Journal, 3/3/09
• High-speed connections to the home will increase the number of U.S. telecommuters to 19 million by 2012 – saving 1.5 billion hours in commuting time, and reducing gas consumption by 5%.
  ITIF projection, as cited in "Broadband Speeds Our Economy," Gigaom, March 3, 2009
• Greater use of information technology can reduce U.S. oil consumption up to 21% and reduce oil imports by up to 36%.
  Smart 2020 U.S. Report Addendum, Smart 2020, 11/2008
• Real-time traffic data to traf¬fic signals can reduce stops by as much as 40%, travel time by 25%, gas consumption by 10% and emissions by 22%.
  Intelligent Transportation Systems, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, 1/2010
• Using broadband for virtual meetings and flexible work arrangements could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 100 Million Metric Tons and save up to $40 billion.
  Smart 2020 U.S. Report Addendum, Smart 2020, 11/2008