An EU-backed consortium of ten organizations has been launched to try and mitigate the carbon footprint of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.

Exigence will focus on reducing the carbon emission levels and environmental impacts of next-generation 6G telecom systems.

The consortium, which includes Telefónica and Huawei, will measure energy consumption levels, optimize service provision, and incentivize behavioral changes in ICT users.

“Even though domain-specific optimization and control will continue playing an important role in meeting energy and CO2 reduction targets, what sets the Exigence project apart is the active role that service consumers play in carbon footprint minimization,” said Artur Hecker, director of future network technologies at Huawei.

Exigence plans to provide an integrated platform for mobile systems to unveil green insights and provide solutions for managing the use of mobile technology. It will also focus on the vital role sustainable practices can play in achieving the EU’s Green Deal.

According to the consortium, unlike existing efforts, it will take a comprehensive approach considering the entire ICT ecosystem.

The project will be coordinated by F6S, a global founder and startup network that supports the promotion, communication, and dissemination of technical and research projects.

Alongside F6S, Huawei, and Telefonica, Exigence includes Instituto de Telecomunicações, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, the Internet Institute, Atos IT solutions, Athens University of Economics and Business, and Detecon International.