A Sustainable Future for Network Infrastructure Systems

Network Infrastructure System focuses on building and maintaining reliable digital connectivity.

Origin:

— Established to enhance digital connectivity and is address telecom challenges.

Purpose: 

— Improve network efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility.

Achievements:

• Expanded broadband coverage in underserved areas.

• Integrated renewable energy solutions for telecom operations.

• Reduced energy consumption through efficient data management.

The Global Context(2025)

Current State:

- Digital infrastructure expansion has led to high energy use and environmental concerns.

- Data centers consume massive electricity, lowering groundwater and increasing emissions. 

- Outdated devices contribute to growing e-waste problems.

KeyStats:

- 400TWh: Global data center power use in 2023, growing 20%yearly.

- 5% of global power: Expected data center demand by 2030.

- $5.4B: Public health costs from fossil-fueled data centers (2019–2023).

Contribution to Climate and Environmental Crises

• High Energy Consumption
• E-Waste Generation
• Carbon Footprint from
• Transport
• Mining for Network Equipment
• Heat Emission from Data Centers

Conscious Efforts to Reduce the Environmental Impact

• Green Data Centers

Utilize renewable energy sources and sustainable materials to reduce carbon footprints.

• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

Implement NFV to decrease energy consumption and hardware needs.

• Renewable Energy Adoption

Transition to renewable energy to lessen reliance on fossil fuels.

• Eco-Friendly Design

Design equipment for easy disassembly, facilitating repair, reuse, and recycling.

• ProperE-Waste Recycling

Ensure responsible disposal and recycling of obsolete network equipment.

• Continuous R&D

Invest in research to monitor and mitigate environmental impacts using advanced technologies.

Recommendation for reducing net impact

1. Energy Efficiency: Adopt energy-efficient hardware and implement power management systems to minimize energy consumption.
2. Virtualization and Consolidation: Utilize virtualization technologies to reduce the number of physical devices, thereby decreasing energy use and e-waste.
3. SustainableData Center Design: Incorporate natural cooling methods and energy-efficient systems in data centers to lower energy consumption.
4. ResponsibleE-Waste Management: Recycle or repurpose obsolete equipment and ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials.
5. Telecommunications Mast Optimization: Implement energy-efficient power systems and consider mast-sharing to reduce infrastructure redundancy.
6. ISP Sustainability Initiatives: Encourage Internet Service Providers to adopt energy-efficient equipment and offer eco-friendly service plans.

Global Implications of Network Infrastructure

1. Rising Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The tech industry accounts for 2-3% of global emissions similar to aviation.
2. Surge in Electronic Waste (E-Waste): 57.4 million metric tons of e-waste generated in 2021, but less than 20% was formally recycled.
3. High Water Consumption: U.S. data centers used 75 billion gallons of waterin 2023, equal to London's four-month water usage.
4. Air Pollution & Public Health Risks: Data centers in the U.S. led to $5.4 billion in public health costs over five years due to pollution-related diseases.
5. E-Waste from Cryptocurrency: The Bitcoin network generates 30.7 kilotons of e-waste annually, similar to the Netherlands' small ITwaste.
6. Need for Sustainable Tech Solutions: Urgent action is required to reduce e-waste and environmental harm from digital infrastructure.

Call For Action 

1. Adopt Sustainable Practices: Invest in green data centers, renewable energy, and efficient cooling systems.
2. Reduce E-Waste: Promote responsible recycling and the use of recyclable materials in network infrastructure.
3. Support Innovation: Encourage research in eco-friendly technologies for telecom and data management.
4. Policy Advocacy: Push forregulations that enforce energy efficiency and e-waste management.
5. Collaborate for Impact: Businesses, governments, and individuals mustwork together for a greener digital future.

Data and References

Energy Consumption by Data Centers – GECF (2024)

Global Data CenterPower Demand – S&P Global (2025)

PublicHealth Costs of Data Centers – Financial Times (2023)

E-WasteStatistics – Statista Research (2024)

Water Consumption in Data Centers – International EnergyAgency (2022)

Sustainable InfrastructureS trategies – Socomec& IAIA Reports (2024)

Authors 

Green Switch Academy (GSA) XXX --- CONSCIOUS AND CONNECTED 

Green Switch Academy Group (GSAG): NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM 

Green Switch Academy Master (GSAM): Aanu Alugbin

GSAG MEMBERS

1. Adejumo Abdulsalam Ajibola

2. Amidat Abdulwasiu

3. Ojo Matthew Daudu

4. Fatimoh Olajumoke Muibudeen

5. Modupeoluwa Abiodun

6. John Naomi

7. Ojo Precious Oluwabukola

8. Adejimi Oluwakayode J oseph 

9. Aishat  O Muhammed 

10. Osadebe Oluebubechukwu

11. Olawanle Ebunoluwa Janet