Communications company Verizon is joining forces with the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to improve the energy efficiency of the ICT industry.

The memorandum of understanding signed by the two organisations will see them work together on a blueprint for energy efficient operation.

The two plan to share knowledge on the efficient management of Verizon’s buildings, facilities and data centres and smart grid technologies and practices.

“Verizon has taken significant steps in becoming a greener more energy-efficient company,” says the company’s sustainability officer James Gowen. “By partnering with one of the top science and technology labs in the world, we’ll be able to achieve even greater efficiencies in a cost-effective fashion.”

The ICT sector as a whole accounts for 3% of US electricity consumption, over half in telecommunications alone.

But intelligent operation of buildings and data centres can significantly reduce energy usage and NREL has particular experience in the area as the creator of one of the most energy efficient buildings on its campus in Golden, Colorado.

For further information:
www.verizon.com
www.nrel.gov

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