ITU-T Study Group 5: Environment, climate change and circular economy
(Study Period 2017-2020)
ITU T Study Group 5 is responsible for studying ICT environmental aspects of electromagnetic phenomena and climate change.
Study Group 5 will also study issues related to resistibility, human exposure to electromagnetic fields, circular economy, energy efficiency and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
It is responsible for studies relating to:
- protection of telecommunication networks and equipment from interference and lightning;
- electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), particle radiation effects, and assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by ICT installations and devices, including cellular phones and base stations;
- the existing copper network outside plant and related indoor installations;
- achieving energy efficiency and sustainable clean energy in ICTs;
- methodologies for assessing the environmental impact of ICT, publishing guidelines for using ICTs in an eco-friendly way, dealing with e‑waste issues (also including the environmental impact of counterfeit devices), enhancing rare-metal recycling and energy efficiency of ICT, including infrastructures.
Study Group 5 is responsible for studies on how to use ICTs to help countries and the ICT sector to adapt to the effects of environmental challenges, including climate change, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Study Group 5 also identifies the needs for more consistent and standardized eco-friendly practices for the ICT sector (e.g. labelling, procurement practices, standardized power supplies/connectors, eco-rating schemes).
Lead Study Group Roles
- electromagnetic compatibility, lightning protection and electromagnetic effects
- ICTs related to the environment, climate change, energy efficiency and clean energy
- circular economy, including e‑waste
Recommendations under SG5 Responsibility
