The increased focus on environmental impact in companies across the ICT sector means performance ratings are more important than ever. Greenpeace produces an evaluation of the sector, called the Cool IT Leaderboard, and Ericsson currently ranks second. We can help others follow our lead.

Greenpeace lists three criteria that it uses to evaluate ICT companies: efforts to offer economy-wide technological climate solutions that contribute to global greenhouse gas reductions; initiatives to reduce emissions from (the assessed company’s) own footprint; and active engagement in political advocacy and support for science-based climate and energy policies.

In a company press release, Greenpeace says Ericsson's second place on the Cool IT Leaderboard is merited by "the strength of its real-world case studies, which measure how its solutions are driving down emissions."

We are obviously proud of our ranking and our performance in all three categories, especially as this is our debut on the list. We want to use our leadership, methodology and technology to help companies, in particular our customers, to improve their performance.

There are many opportunities to grow responsibly while minimizing environmental impact. Our focus has been on getting ICT and telecom onto the global climate agenda by promoting broadband as a key component of a more sustainable society.

Greenpeace also praised Ericsson for having "strong methodology" to measure the net impact of its solutions.

Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, Ericsson's Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, says our ranking shows that Ericsson can be part of the solution by helping ICT companies meet environmental objectives.

"For example, we measure and contrast environmental impact before and after our methods are implemented," she says. "Our white papers and case studies prove we are not just talking. Our technology really can help others.

"Driving down emissions is about being competitive. Operators are more aware and have more requirements nowadays. All products have an impact, but by continually improving efficiency we reduce our costs, our customers' costs and our environmental impact."

Investment in broadband is another key factor in the development of low-carbon, ICT-based services, such as telemedicine and virtual meetings.

"Our Cool IT ranking is motivating us to develop and enhance our sustainability strategy even further," Weidman-Grunewald says. "We want to continue to help other companies by using our methodology and our technology. This year we debuted in second place. Next year we aim to be first."