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GSR 2025

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Executive Summary

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Executive Summary of the ​ITU-T Study Group 5 Meeting
 “Environment, climate action, circular economy and electromagnetic fields” 

(Geneva, 3-12 June 2025)​​


The first meeting of ITU-T Study Group 5 “EMF, environment, climate action, sustainable digitalization and circular economy” in the 2025–2028 study period, convened by TSB Collective letter 1, took place in Geneva, from 3 to 12 June 2025.

The ITU-T Study Group 5 meeting was chaired by Mr Dominique Würges (France), Chair of ITU-T Study Group 5, and supported by the following Vice-Chairs: Shuguang Qi (China), Neha Upadhyay (India), Byung Chan Kim (Korea (Rep. of)), Derrick Khamali (Kenya), William Daniel Mnyippembe (Tanzania), Helen Nakiguli (Uganda), Beniamino Gorini (Finland), Daniel Dianat (Sweden), Rafia Barkat (Algeria), Khaled Alsaleem (Kuwait), Fatima Alouane (Morocco).

Remote ​participation was provided for all sessions.

Statistics​​

  • Participants: 228 ​(TD47-R1)
  • Contributions: 187 (198 were received but seven were withdrawn due to duplication and four were withdrawn as the numbers had been skipped by the system)
  • TDs (not counting the revisions): 483
  • Incoming/ Outgoing Liaison Statements: 62 incoming liaison statements and 31 outgoing liaison statements TD43-R5. See also LS database​.​
Main discussions and results​​
At its meeting held in Geneva from 3 to 12 June 2025, ITU-T Study Group 5 achieved the following outcomes: 
  • Consented Recommendations: 24 (of which 8 are revised Recommendations)
  • Recommendations Approved: none at this meeting;
  • Other texts agreed: 2 at this meeting;
  • New work items: 28 at this meeting.​​

Major accomplishments​
Main decisions taken by WTSA

The Study Group 5 Chair provided a brief overview of the highlights of WTSA-24. The following TDs and Documents were presented and noted:​

  • TD40-R1 - Highlights of WTSA-24 relevant to ITU-T Study Group 5
  • Resolution 2 (Rev. New Delhi, 2024)  “Scope and mandate of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector study groups”. See section related to “Mandate of Study Group 5: Area of responsibility, Lead Study Group, Points of Guidance, Recommendations under its responsibility”
  • C1 - Title, mandate, lead roles, points of guidance and Questions for ITU-T Study Group 5 in the study period 2025–2028    
  • ​TD41-R1 - WTSA-24 Resolutions of interest to Study Group 5
  • TD261  - Draft Action plans for implementation of WTSA-24 Resolutions 72, 73 and 79 (Rev. New Delhi, 2024) (Environment, climate action, circular economy and electromagnetic fields)
  • WTSA-24 Proceedings - Review of new/revised Resolutions and A-series Recommendations

Organization of the work of ITU-T Study Group 5​​

  • During the WTSA-24 (New Delhi, 15–24 October 2024), the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of ITU-T Study Group 5 were appointed as contained in TD3-R1. This document was presented and noted.

ITU-T Study Group 5 Structure
  • The structure of Study Group 5 was presented and approved as contained in TD42-R1. 
  • The designation of Working Party Chair and Working Party Vice-Chairs was presented and approved as contained in TD3-R1.
  • The designation of Rapporteurs and Associate Rapporteurs was presented and approved as contained TD4-R3. 
  • TD33-R1 contains the list of existing work items assigned to the new structure (ITU-T Study Group 5 Work programme)
​
Approved Recommendations by ITU-T Study Group 5 (according to A.5 §5​) 
IT​​U-T Rec. Num​​ber
 Title
 Question TD
None ​
  


Recommendations Consented by SG5 for Last Call (AAP - Recommendation A.8)​ ​
 R​evised Recommendations

​Work item or provisional name
Title
Q
TD
A.5 justification
Recommendation number
K.147Protection of digital ports connected to balanced pairs of conductors2/5 TD348N/AK.147
K.113
Generation of radiofrequency electromagnetic field level maps3/5 TD321-R4N/AK.113
K.61Guidance on measurement and numerical prediction of electromagnetic fields for compliance with human exposure limits for telecommunication installations3/5 TD382N/AK.61
K.49
Test requirements and performance criteria for voice terminal telephones subject to disturbance from digital mobile telecommunications systems4/5 TD307-R1N/AK.49
K.54
Conducted immunity test method and level at fundamental power frequencies4/5 TD311N/AK.54
L.1206
Impact on information and communication technology equipment architecture of multiple AC, −48 VDC or up to 400 VDC power inputs6/5 TD289 TD295L.1206
L.1007Cor.1
Test suites for assessment of the external universal power adapter solutions for portable information and Communication technology devices 7/5 TD455-R1N/AL.1007
L.1480revEnabling the Net Zero transition: Assessing how the use of information and communication technology solutions impacts greenhouse gas emissions of other sectors
9/5 TD368 N/AL.1480


 New Recommendations

Work item or provisional name​​
​Title
Q
TD
A.5 justification
Recommendation number
K.pids
Practical guidance for protection of the indoor distribution system for mobile communication in large-scale physical buildings1/5 TD297-R3
N/A 
K.158
L.EE_sgpuEnergy Efficiency measurement methodology and metrics for heterogeneous servers6/5 TD287 TD292L.1311
L.MCI_GenMonitoring and Control Interface for Infrastructure Equipment (Power, Cooling and Building Environment Systems used in Telecommunication Networks) - Generic Interface6/5 TD374 TD372L.1395
L.MCI_MIMMonitoring and Control Interface for Infrastructure Equipment (Power, Cooling and Building Environment Systems used in Telecommunication Networks) - ICT equipment power, energy and environmental parameters monitoring information model6/5 TD338-R1 TD323L.1396
L.MCI_Bat
Monitoring and control interface for infrastructure equipment (Power, Cooling and environment systems used in telecommunication networks) - Battery system with integrated control and monitoring information model6/5 TD294-R1 TD293L.1397
L. ME_DDAssessment of material efficiency of ICT network infrastructure goods (circular economy); Part 2: Server and data storage product secure data deletion functionality 7/5 TD326 TD440L.1025
L.ME_AFAssessment of material efficiency of ICT network infrastructure goods (circular economy); Part 3 Server and data storage product availability of firmware and of security updates to firmware7/5 TD325 N/AL.1080
L.DMTTSpecification for the durability assessment of mobile telecommunication terminals7/5 TD302-R2 TD441-R1L1018
L.UFCS Universal Fast Charging Solution for mobile terminals  7/5 TD310-R2 TD475L.1004
L.DLBGuidelines for the durability assessment of Lithium-ion Batteries​7/5 TD298-R2 TD305-R1L.1011
L.GPSIMGood practices for the sanitization of the information media in end-of-life ICT user devices7/5
 
 N/AL.1081
L.e-waste-collectionGuidelines on the collection, pre-treatment, dismantling, valorization and final disposal of WEEE7/5 TD397 N/AL.1037
L.CircularCityKPIsKey Performance Indicators for circular cities7/5 TD327-R1  N/AL.1621
L.WHRSpecification for waste heat reuse in telecommunication rooms and data centers11/5 TD304-R4 N/AL.1328
L.MM&BP_IPMeasurement methodology and best practices for decarbonization of industrial park in support of net zero11/5 TD314-R4N/AL.1491
L.KPIs_InfratructureEnvironmental Key Performance Indicators for Digital Infrastructure Adapting to Climate Change12/5 TD337-R3N/AL.1510

Agreed informative texts​

Work item or
provisi​onal name
Title
Question
TD

Document
number
L.TR-CONF-to-L.1071
G​uidance on conformity assessment of ICT goods/products to standards for ITU-T L.1071/ETSI ES 204 082
 7/5 TD354Technical Report to L.1071
L.supAiterStandardized glossary of terms of AI and other Emerging Technologies to Ensure Environmental Efficiency
 8/5 TD270-R1L.Suppl.61

 

New Work Items
Work item
 Title Question TD
K​​.Actual_Max
Guidance on implementation of Actual Maximum Approach for assessment, evaluation, compliance and monitoring of RF EMF
3/5
 TD394-R1 (A.1)
K.83Monitoring of electromagnetic field levels3/5 TD386
K.Suppl.32Case studies of radio frequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) assessment3/5 TD417
K.61Guidance on measurement and numerical prediction of electromagnetic fields for compliance with human exposure limits for telecommunication installations3/5 TD382
Revision of K.49Test requirements and performance criteria for voice terminal telephones subject to disturbance from digital mobile telecommunications systems4/5 TD313
Revision of K.54Conducted immunity test method and level at fundamental power frequencies4/5 TD312
L.Testing_LCRTesting Guidelines for Cold-plate Liquid Cooled Cabinet in Data Centre6/5 TD430-R2
L.DSECRequirements for energy efficiency management of data storage in data centres6/5 TD450-R2
L.Water_DCGuidance on Water Conservation Strategies in Data Centres6/5 TD395-R1
L.Suppl_SBSSolutions and Practices for Sustainable Base Station Sites in Off-grid Remote Area6/5 TD406-R2
L.TR_750VDC750 V DC power feeding systems for data centre6/5 TD410-R1
L.MF_ACinDCMonitoring framework for low-voltage AC power feeding system in data centre6/5 TD456-R1
L.1022revCircular economy: Definitions and concepts for circular economy for information and communication technology7/5 TD339
L.SPV_EOLFramework and Requirements for Sustainable End-of-Life Management of Solar Photovoltaic Panels7/5 TD460
L.EW_INT_ACTE-Waste Lifecycle Integrity and Accountability7/5 TD340
L.GDSRGuidelines for Data Sanitization and Resource Recovery of End-of-Life Storage Devices7/5 TD341-R1
L.TR-CONF-to-L.1071Guidance on conformity assessment of ICT goods/products to standards for ITU-T L.1071/ETSI ES 204 0827/5 TD355-R1
L.DPISGuidelines for a modular and scalable data system design of Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS) for ICT products7/5 TD352-R2
L.ITservices_footprintMethodology to assess the environmental Footprint of data centre IT hosting services and cloud services 9/5
TD403 (baseline)
TD404-R1 (A.1)
L.1470revGreenhouse gas emissions trajectories for the information and communication technology sector compatible with the UNFCCC Paris Agreement 9/5 TD389-R1
L.Transition Plans Guidance on Transition Plans in the ICT sector at the national and industry level 9/5 TD479-R1 (A.1)
L.ESS-adaptManagement system architecture for container-type ESS to support environment-adaptive operation 11/5
TD331-R4 (A.1)
L.ups_frameworkManagement system framework of UPS with Li-ion batteries for infrastructure 11/5 TD334-R4
L.MMOC​
Multi microgrid scheduling architecture and scenario requirements aiming for reduction of GHG emissions 11/5
TD332-R4 (A.1)
L.TLB

Full time immersion liquid temperature-controlled Lithium Iron Phosphate battery systems 11/5
TD329-R2 (A.1)
L.TR_GHG_DR
Mechanism and framework of power grid demand response based on GHG emission factor ​ 11/5
TD333-R4 (A.13)
L.Carbon_SLP
Guidelines for the Construction of Smart Low-Carbon Power Supply Facilities Adapted to Island Biodiversity 12/5 TD385-R3 (A.1)
L.ICT4LGTLGuidelines of Using ICTs for Low Carbon Transition of Logistics 12/5
TD393-R2 (A.1)


​​Contributions
The full list of Contributions can be found in TD257-R1. ​

Reports of Working Parties

Working Parties Meeting
  • The draft Report of Working Party 1/5 can be found in TD20-R1.
  • The draft Report of Working Party 2/5 can be found in TD25-R3.
  • The draft Report of Working Party 3/5 can be found in TD29-R6.
Report of Q8/5 Guides and terminology on environment​
The draft Report of Q8/5 can be found in TD28-R1.

Highlights of the first meeting of TSAG (26-30 May 2025)​
The highlights of the first TSAG meeting held in Geneva from 26 to 30 May 2025 was provided during the opening plenary. Additionally, ITU-T Study Group 5 was informed of the following incoming liaison statements received from TSAG:
  • TD274 - LS/i on lead study group concept​
  • TD275 - LS/i on the development of ITU-T Standards Success Stories
  • TD276 - LS/i on the activities and studies on sustainable digital transformation 
  • TD277 - LS/i on streamlining JCA operations
  • TD278 - LS/i on the Terms of reference ITU-T SGs at the New work item opening​

Action plans​ for implementation of WTSA-24 Resolutions 72, 73 and 79 (Rev. New Delhi, 2024) (Human exposure to EMF, environment, climate change and circular economy, and e-waste)
TD261 - contains the Draft Action Plan for the implementation of WTSA-24 Resolutions 72, 73 and 79 (Rev. New Delhi, 2024) (Human exposure to EMF, environment, climate change and circular economy, and e-waste). This document was presented during the meeting. 

ITU-T Study Group 5 Regional Groups 

  • ITU-T Study Group 5 Regional Group for Latin America
Since June 2024, the SG5RG-LATAM has held two meetings:
  • Lima, Peru, 5 September 2024. This meetings was preceded by a Session on Environmental Sustainable Tech in Latin America: Standards for E-Waste Management, Circular Economy and GHG Emissions Reduction (English | Spanish​). These events were organized jointly with the ITU Policy and Economics Colloquium for the Americas (IPEC 24).

    The meeting was attended by 13 participants from five countries.
    The report of this meeting is available as SG5RG-LATAM Report 1. ​

  • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 6–8 May 2025. This meeting was kindly hosted by the Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones (INDOTEL) Dominican Republic.

    The meeting was a joint meeting with ITU-T SG20RG-LATAM.
    These meetings were organized in conjunction with the following events:​​

    The meeting was attended by 38 participants from 14 countries.
    Additionally, the SG5RG-LATAM agreed to the revised Terms of Reference as contained in TD254.
    The report of the SG5RG-LATAM is available as TD253 and SG5RG-LATAM Report 1. ​

​List of stale work i​tems ​
​TSB provided information on the list of stale work items as contained in TD37-R1. The Rapporteurs of the concerned Questions were encouraged to discuss these work items during their respective sessions. The following actions were taken: ​

​​​Q
 Work item Title Action taken
Q​1/5 K.5G-Lightning
Practical guide for lightning protection, earthing and bonding, and safety consideration of 5G radio base station​​​
Discontinued
Q2​/5 K.20_RevisionResistibility of telecommunication equipment installed in a telecommunication centre to overvoltages and overcurrentsUpdated - TD350
Q2/5 K.21_RevisonResistibility of telecommunication equipment installed in customer premises to overvoltages and overcurrentsUpdated - TD351
Q2/5 K.117Primary protector parameters for the surge protection of equipment Ethernet portsDiscontinued
Q2/5 K.147Protection of digital ports connected to balanced pairs of conductorsUpdated - TD348
Q2/5 K.eclSurge protective component application guide - Electronic Current LimitersUpdated - TD383
Q2/5 K.gmPerformance Parameters and Test Methods for Hybrid Integrated Circuits Containing a Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) and a Metal-Oxide Varistor (MOV)Updated - TD383
Q2/5 K.isolatorsIntegrated circuit isolators for telecommunications useUpdated - TD383
Q2/5 K.supple_tovProtection of ICT Equipment with DC Power Supply against Transient Overvoltage (TOV)Updated - TD380
Q3/5 K.SmallSmall base stations - impact on the overall exposure levelUpdated - TD461
Q6/5 L.1206Impact on information and communication technology equipment architecture of multiple AC, ?48 VDC or up to 400 VDC power inputsConsented
Q6/5 L.EE_dseEnergy efficiency metrics and measurement methods for data storage equipmentUpdated - TD283
Q6/5 L.EE_servEnergy Efficiency measurement methodology and metrics for serversUpdated - TD262
Q6/5 L.EEIoTEnergy Efficiency for Intelligent Internet of Things PlatformUpdated - TD358
Q6/5 L.Energy_sav_Cloud & EdgeEnergy saving design for Data Centre considering harmonization of Cloud and EdgeUpdated - TD290-R1
Q6/5 L.FCCEnergy consumption management and optimization platform Framework for cloud computingDiscontinued
Q6/5 L.MM&BP_BSMeasurement methodology and Best Practices for decarbonization of Base Station sites in support of Net ZeroUpdated - TD299
Q6/5 L.MM&BP_DCMeasurement methodology and Best Practices for decarbonization of Data Center and Telecommunication Room in support of Net ZeroUpdated - TD359
Q6/5 L.MM_DCEnergy Efficiency Metric and Measurement Methodology for Data Centres and Telecommunication RoomsUpdated - TD360-R1
Q6/5 L.thermal_DCMulti-level metrics for thermal environment and thermal performance of Data CentreUpdated - TD449
Q6/5 L.TR_CR_BSEnergy Efficiency Classification Criteria of Base Station SitesUpdated - TD301-R1
Q7/5 L.FrameworkCcArchitectureArchitecture Development Framework for circular cityUpdated - TD426
Q7/5 L.ME_AFAssessment of material efficiency of ICT network infrastructure goods (circular economy). Part 3: server and data storage product availability of firmware and of security updates to firmwareUpdated - TD325
Q7/5 L.ME_DDAssessment of material efficiency of ICT network infrastructure goods (circular economy). Part 2: server and data storage product secure data deletion functionalityUpdated - TD326
Q7/5 L.SCCASupply chain-based carbon accounting information guidelines for ICT manufacturing industriesDiscontinued
Q8/5 L.supAiter Standardized glossary of terms of AI and other Emerging Technologies to Ensure Environmental EfficiencyAgreed - TD270-R1
Q9/5 L.1450revMethodologies for the assessment of the environmental impact of the information and communication technology sectorUpdated - TD373
Q9/5 L. database EFCriteria for the development and maintenance of an ITU database on emission factorsUpdated - TD399
Q9/5 L.Biodiversity_opportunitiesDevelopment of guidance on how to assess the second order effects of ICT solutions on biodiversity, including positive effectsUpdated - TD391
Q9/5 L.database countriesCriteria for the development and maintenance of databases on national ICT sector GHG emissionsUpdated - TD463
Q9/5 L.Env_DCGuidelines on Multi-Dimensional Environmental Metrics and Management for Data CentresUpdated - TD367
Q9/5 L.GHGemissions_DCMethodologies for accounting Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Data Centers and Telecommunication RoomsUpdated - TD362
Q9/5 L.GHGemissions_IPMethodologies for accounting Greenhouse Gas Emissions of using ICT in Industrial ParksUpdated - TD365
Q9/5 L.GHGintensitiesGHG emissions intensity indicators for telecom network operatorsUpdated - TD448
Q9/5 L.SDTDefinition of Sustainable Digital TransformationContributions were encouraged
Q9/5 L.Suppl.AdministrationsGuidance for Administrations on the application of L.EnablementDiscontinued
Q9/5 L.Suppl.ExamplesExamples related to applying methodology to assess ICT solution GHG impactsUpdated - TD366
Q9/5 L.Suppl.Scope3_DCScope 3 guidance for data center operatorsUpdated - TD465
Q9/5 L.TCFDApplication of the activities of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures in the ICT sectorDiscontinued
Q9/5 Suppl.L.Decarbonisation (ex L.Sup.Decarbonisation) Decarbonisation strategies to implement Recommendation ITU-T L.1470 trajectoriesDiscontinued
Q11/5 L.BP_SCBest Practices for decarbonization of Smart City in support of Net ZeroUpdated - TD436
Q11/5 L.MM&BP_IPMeasurement methodology and Best Practices for decarbonization of Industrial Park in support of Net ZeroUpdated - TD314-R4
Q11/5 L.SE_MISmart Energy Solutions for Manufacturing IndustryUpdated - TD335
Q12/5 L.SMARTImpact assessment framework for evaluating how ICT-based subsea infrastructure could support climate, environmental and biodiversity monitoring in the oceans

Updated - TD349​



Collaboration matters and Information Sharing 
During the opening plenary, the following information was provided:​
​
The following TDs were noted during the ITU-T Study Group 5 opening plenary:​
  • TD35​ Meeting facilities and electronic working methods.
  • TD39 Study Group 5 mailing lists.
  • ​TD44 Information on Publication of geographical maps and infographics in documents and publications.
  • TD46 Instruction on the tools to identify standards developed and under development between ITU-T Study Group 5 and ETSI TC EE as technically aligned deliverables.
  • TD45 Communiqué of the TSB Director CxO consultation meeting, 9 December 2024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Study Group 5 Newcomer's session 

A session for Newcomer session was held on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 1730–1900 CEST.
​The following TDs were prepared for the newcomers and were noted during the ITU-T Study Group 5 opening plenary.​

  • TD38 - (Newco​mers' Pack)
  • TD210-R1 – (Introductory ITU-T Study Group 5 presentation)
  • TD244 (Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG) training on Contributions, 20 May 2025)
  • TD263 Template for A.1 justification information.
  • TD264 Template for A.13 justification information.
  • TD265 Template for A.25 justification information.
  • TD36 – (A.2 – Guidelines for Contributions)​​

​Promotion activities and bridging the standardizaion gap

Information was provided on the events organized as of June 2024 related to the activities on Environment, EMF and Circular Economy:​
Additionally, the following events were announced:

Study Group 5 Management Team, Rapporteurs and Associate Rapporteurs and Liaison Rapporteurs

  • Click here for the complete list of Study Group 5 Rapporteurs and Associate Rapporteurs.
  • Click here for the complete list of Study Group 5 Liaison Rapporteurs and other representative roles. Designation of Liaison Rapporteurs to the collaborating organizations TD5-R5-List of ITU-T Study Group 5 Representatives and other roles
  • Click here for the complete list of Study Group 5 management team. ​
​

Dates of the next ITU-T Study Group 5 meeting ​

The next ITU-T Study Group 5 is planned to be held from 29 October – 6 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was mentioned that the date and venue might change and the status of the meeting is to be confirmed.​
 
Executive Summary from previous meetings: 2025-06​ |​ 2024-06​ | 2023-11​ | 2023-06​ | 2023-02 | 2022-12​ | 2022-10​​ | 2022-07​ | 2021-12​ | 2021-05​ I 2020-10 I 2020-05​​ I 2019-09 | 2019-05​​ | ​2018-09 | 2018-05​ | 2018-03 | 2017-11 | 2017-05 | 2016-04 | 2015-10 | 2014-12 | 2014-07 | 2014-05 | 2013-12 | 2013-01 | 2012-04 | 2011-09 | 2011-04 | 2010-11 | 2010-04 | 2010-01 | 2009-10 | 2009-05 | 2008-11 | 2008-02
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