Why sustainable data cabling systems matter
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Largely unseen but massively widespread, data cabling is perhaps one of the most important elements of infrastructure in the world today, but not without a cost to the environment. Experts in the field are shifting their focus to what can be done to reduce the impact, but also how cabling itself can contribute to energy efficiency everywhere.
Copper, fibre optic or otherwise, data cables could be said to rule the world. The 1.5 million km of deep-sea cabling at the bottom of our oceans is responsible for transmitting virtually all of the world’s international telecommunications. They then meet the many millions of cables in homes and businesses everywhere, enabling us to communicate with computers, phones and other devices.
But the vastness of our connectivity has consequences. The internet and communication technology (ICT) sector consumes a lot of energy and is estimated to contribute up to 4% of global carbon emissions. What’s more, the equipment required is manufactured from precious, limited resources and can contribute to e-waste if not correctly disposed of at the end of life.
Most data cabling systems adhere to international standards to ensure they are safe, reliable and interoperable with other equipment. The ISO/IEC 11801 series is the benchmark set of international standards for generic cabling systems. They provide the general requirements for systems in various applications such as offices, data centres and industrial premises.
They are complemented by the ISO/IEC 14763 series, which addresses the implementation and operation of customer premises cabling. The latest in the series, part 5, specifies requirements and recommendations to maximise the sustainability of cabling systems, including both customer premises infrastructure and the accommodation of information technology equipment.
It covers the design of cabling systems, the materials used, the use and maintenance of cables, and the management of waste materials.
Source: IEC