Green is the new black - part 3
In the part 1 and 2 of 'Green is the new black' we took a ‘cradle-to-grave’ look at the life-cycle of a point-to-multipoint (PMP) network built using CBNL’s VectaStar equipment.
After deployment, compared with alternative backhaul methods, PMP can result in a huge reduction in equipment requirements and therefore significant savings in energy and a reduction in power consumption as a result.
At each stage of the life-cycle, PMP, and more specifically, VectaStar, can be seen to have a positive impact on the environment compared to alternative backhaul methods.
But when the equipment reaches the end of its life, what happens then?
As we have already addressed in the previous two parts of this article series, as the leading point-to-multipoint (PMP) solution, VectaStar requires approximately half as many radios as equivalent point-to-point microwave backhaul solutions.
This reduction very clearly has an impact too when considering recycling at the end of the product’s life.
With half as many radios to dispose of, the subsequent effect on the environment is also halved.
To put this into context, according to recent CBNL research the deployment of VectaStar, if used wherever applicable, could reduce radios needed by nearly 1.5M by 2014.
CBNL is also taking active steps to ensure that once sold, deployed and at the end of its life, its equipment is sensibly disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
As part of the European Commission Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, Cambridge Broadband Networks shares a responsibility with its UK customers to ensure that products that have reached their useful end-of-life are recycled at an approved Authorised Treatment Facility to minimise the impact on the environment.
By managing this process, CBNL is ensuring that the ‘green’ impact of VectaStar is maintained, right through to the last stage of the product life-cycle.
So once disposed of, what more can we do?
CBNL continues to invest heavily in R&D and strives to consistently improve and refine its product offering.
As well as considering vital product specifications, such as increased throughput and cost reduction, the team also consider ideas involving design features to increase ease of disassembly, recycling and material reuse.
By resolutely innovating, CBNL aims to deliver the market leading backhaul solution with minimum negative effect on the environment.