Report of the First Meeting of ITU-T Study Group 5 (Environment, Climate Action, Circular Economy and Electromagnetic Fields) Held in Geneva, 3–12 June 2025

2.1 Discussions and results of WP1/5 - EMC, lightning protection, EMF

2.1.1 Q1/5: Electrical protection, reliability, safety, and security of telecommunication/ICT systems

Q1/5 considers the protection requirements for telecommunication systems and earthing systems against lightning strikes and disturbances from power systems. A protection method for high-altitude electromagnetic pulse and high-power electromagnetic and electromagnetic security issues on telecommunication systems related to electromagnetic waves, such as risk evaluation and mitigation of information leakage via electromagnetic waves, are also considered.

In this meeting, the new Recommendation K.158 “Practical guidance for protection of the indoor distribution system for mobile communication in large-scale physical buildings” has been consented, which is regarding protection measures for a radio-wave distribution system within large-scale buildings. At the discussion, NTT pointed out that the duplication of requirements among other standards should be avoided; the concrete numbers about performance and/or specification should be in an informative part since K.158 is not a document that stipulates requirements but provides “best-practice”; and the descriptions as if recommending to violate law or rule should be deleted. These comments were accepted and K.158 was consented.

In the next meeting, the new work items will be discussed regarding protection of cables and maintenance of outdated recommendations.

2.1.2 Q2/5: Equipment specification and component/device for protection against lightning and other phenomena

Q2/5 considers the protection requirements, protection components, and devices for telecommunication equipment against overcurrent and/or overvoltage. The test methods and requirements of soft errors in telecommunication equipment due to neutron radiation, which had been considered in Q1/5 in the previous study period, were moved to Q2/5 in this study period.

In this meeting, the revision of Recommendation K.147 “Protection of digital ports connected to balanced pairs of conductors” was consented, which is regarding the protection of various wired telecommunications including Ethernet. This revision is to achieve more consistency on the information of specifications and performances related to protection with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3 “Ethernet” through the cooperation with NTT and IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group.

Discussions about revision of existing Recommendation K.21 “Resistibility of telecommunication equipment installed in customer premises to overvoltages and overcurrents” and Recommendation K.20 “Resistibility of telecommunication equipment installed in a telecommunication centre to overvoltages and overcurrents” were also held and decided to continue in the next SG5 meeting. At this meeting, the exclusion from application of resistibility testing to the Ethernet connections used only within a cabinet suggested by NTT, was accepted in Q2/5. It was also accepted in Q2/5 that the basic resistibility level on internal Ethernet port against common mode lightning surge in K.21 would be decreased to 1 kV; however, the necessity of present enhanced and other resistibility levels was confirmed in Q2/5 and to be kept.

Discussions on the draft new Supplement K.supple_TOV “Protection of ICT equipment with direct current (DC) power supply against transient overvoltage (TOV)” and the revision of existing Supplement K.Suppl.25 “Long reach single twisted-pair Ethernet resistibility testing” were held and decided to continue to the next SG5 meeting.

2.1.3 Q3/5: Assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs)

Q3/5 considers the estimation, calculation, and measurement methods for EMF strength in the vicinity of mobile phones and wireless systems in terms of human-body exposure.

At this meeting, the drafts for revision of Recommendation K.113 “Generation of radiofrequency electromagnetic field level maps” and Recommendation K.61 “Guidance on measurement and numerical prediction of electromagnetic fields for compliance with human exposure limits for telecommunication installations” were discussed and consented.

It was decided to start consideration of the new work item K.Actual_Max “Guidance on implementation of Actual Maximum Approach for assessment, evaluation, compliance and monitoring of RF EMF,” and its baseline text was made. The drafts for revisions of Supplement K.Suppl.32 “Case studies of radio frequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) assessment” and Recommendation K.83 “Monitoring of electromagnetic field levels” were discussed to add measurement cases. The draft new Recommendation K.AI-EMF “EMF evaluation method using artificial intelligence in the vicinity of 5th-generation mobile communication systems (5G) New Radio (NR) base station” was discussed for developing the first draft including its technical standpoint.

The draft for revision of Recommendation K.91 “Guidance for assessment, evaluation and monitoring of human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields” was discussed, and the new drafts of K.calibr “Calibration for equipment for the EMF assessment,” K.devices “RF-EMF exposure assessment of wireless communication devices operating close to the human body,” K.reflection “Impact of the metallic structures for the EMF exposure level,” K.Small “Small base stations - impact on the overall exposure level,” and K.Suppl.MethDataEMF “Guidance on Methodologies for RF-EMF Assessments and Responding to Public Concerns regarding human exposure to RF-EMF from Telecommunication Installations” were also discussed toward developing the draft texts.

2.1.4 Q4/5: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) aspects in telecommunications/ICTs

Q4/5 considers EMC standards corresponding to conventional or new telecommunication equipment, telecommunication services, and wireless systems.

At this meeting, the draft revisions of two existing Recommendations K.49 “Test requirements and performance criteria for voice terminal telephones subject to disturbance from digital mobile telecommunications systems” and K.54 “Conducted immunity test method and level at fundamental power frequencies” were consented. Recommendation K.49 is the recommendation regarding the immunity requirement for wired voice telecommunication against radio-wave from mobile phones in which terms and definitions, references, and the frequency band information of mobile phones were renewed. Recommendation K.54 is the immunity requirement of telecommunication equipment against fundamental power frequencies in which terms and definitions and references were renewed.

Four draft new Recommendations K.emc_satellite_ES “Electromagnetic compatibility requirements and test methods for Earth stations for satellite communications,” K.RIS_EMC “Electromagnetic compatibility requirements and measurement methods for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface,” K.emc_UWB “Electromagnetic compatibility requirements and test methods for ultra-wide band equipment,” and K.PLC_emc “Electromagnetic compatibility requirements and measurement methods for equipment and installations in outdoor applications using power line communication,” were discussed and agreed to continue to the next SG5 meeting.

2.2 Discussions and results of WP2/5 - Environmental efficiency of new and emerging telecommunications/ICTs installations and applications

2.2.1 Q6/5: Environmental efficiency of telecommunications/ICTs

Q6/5 identifies eco-efficiency for new advanced technologies such as telecommunications/ICTs and the metaverse, including parts of Q6/5, 11/5 and 12/5 of the previous study period. In addition to the clarification of eco-efficiency and requirements, technical solutions, indicators, key performance indicators (KPIs), and related measurement methods, it develops recommendations on the development of smart energy systems, application of solutions, and requirements and technical specifications for low-cost, portable, and eco-efficient ICT infrastructure in rural areas.

At this meeting, revision of Recommendation L.1206 “Impact on information and communication technology equipment architecture of multiple AC, −48 VDC, or up to 400 VDC power inputs” and four new Recommendations L.1311 “Energy efficiency measurement methodology and metrics for heterogeneous servers,” L.1395 “Monitoring and control interface for infrastructure equipment (power, cooling, and building environment systems used in telecommunication networks) - General interface,” L.1396 “Monitoring and control interface for infrastructure equipment (power, cooling and building environment systems used in telecommunication networks) - ICT equipment power, energy and environmental parameters monitoring information model,” and L. 1397 “Monitoring and control interface for infrastructure equipment (power, cooling and environment systems used in telecommunication networks) - Battery system with integrated control and monitoring information model” were consented.

Regarding the revision of Recommendation L.1206, the power supply architecture in ICT equipment, effect of combining different power supplies on the battery test function, requirements to avoid the risk of voltage backflow in all power supply combinations, and regulation of insulation requirements were revised to be technically consistent with ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) TS 103 531 revised in 2024. Recommendation L.1311 specifies energy efficiency measurement methods, metrics, and KPIs based on ETSI EN 303 470 in the selection process for server procurement in each category of central processing unit (CPU)/graphics processing unit (GPU), CPU/field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and CPU/application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Recommendation L.1395 specifies a generic interface for monitoring and controlling various infrastructure equipment, including the minimum requirements for equipment maps, control interfaces, information models, protocols, and network architectures. To improve the correlation between energy monitoring and operations such as power consumption and traffic transmission, Recommendation L.1396 specifies methods for measuring various values, information models, and data transfer protocols between station buildings and operation centers. Recommendation L.1397 specifies a configuration and information model for a battery system (IBS: intelligent battery system) with integrated control and monitoring of ICT equipment.

Six new work items have also been decided to open: L.DSEC “Requirements for energy efficiency management of data storage in data centers,” L.MF_ACinDC “Monitoring framework for low-voltage AC power feeding system in data centre,” L.Suppl_SBS “Solutions and practices for sustainable base station sites in off-grid remote area,” L.Testing_LCR “Testing guidelines for cold-plate liquid cooled cabinet in data centre,” L.TR_750VDC “750VDC power feeding systems for data centre,” and L.Water_DC “Guidance on water conservation strategies in data centres.”

2.2.2 Q7/5: E-waste, circular economy, and sustainable supply chain management

Q7/5 seeks to address the concept of a circular economy, environmental requirements for telecommunications/ICT based on improved supply chain management, and programs such as eco-ratings for environmental performance of products, networks and services, and digital product passports (DPP), including some of the content of Q7/5 and 13/5 of the previous study period. This Question develops requirements, technical specifications, and effective frameworks for applying the concept of circular economy to cities and communities, as well as recommendations on indicators and KPIs needed to establish baseline scenarios for such cities and communities.

At this meeting, eight new Recommendations L.1004 “Universal fast charging solution for mobile terminals,” L.1011 “Guidelines for the durability assessment of lithium-ion batteries,” L.1018 “Specification for the durability assessment of mobile telecommunication terminals,” L.1025 “Assessment of material efficiency of ICT network infrastructure goods - Server and data storage product secure data deletion functionality,” L.1080 “Assessment of material efficiency of ICT network infrastructure goods - Server and data storage product availability of firmware and of security updates to firmware,” L.1037 “Requirements for the collection, transportation, storage, dismantling, valorization and final disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE),” L.1081 “Good practices for the sanitization of the information storage media in end-of-life ICT user devices” and L.1621 “Key performance indicators for circular cities” were consented. A corrigendum of Recommendation L.1007 “L.1007 Cor.1: Test suites for assessment of the external universal power adapter solutions for portable ICT devices” was also consented. The Technical Report to L.1071 “Guidance on conformity assessment of ICT goods/products to standards according to ITU-T L.1071 and ETSI ES 204 082” was agreed.

Recommendation L.1004 defines and specifies the overall framework of the Universal Fast Charging Specification (UFCS) for mobile devices, the roles of key components, layers, communication flows, system requirements, safety requirements, environmental requirements, and energy-efficiency requirements. Recommendation L.1011 specifies methods for evaluating the durability of lithium-ion batteries at each stage of the product life cycle from the viewpoints of battery performance, environmental adaptability, safety, and maintainability according to operating conditions to improve the durability of the batteries. Recommendation L.1018 provides guidelines for improving the durability of mobile communications devices and specifies methods for evaluating durability at each stage of the product life cycle from the viewpoints of environmental adaptability, maintenance, recycling, and data security. Recommendation L.1025 specifies the data-erasure function of mobile communications devices and the methods of evaluation, documentation, and circular economy considerations. Recommendation L.1080 specifies how to verify that manufacturers of ICT network infrastructure equipment are properly providing firmware and security updates, including technical requirements and how national authorities can verify the availability of updates. Recommendation L.1037 provides a comprehensive framework for collecting, transporting, storing, dismantling, valuing, and final disposal of WEEE in a safe and environmentally sound manner, with the aim of improving recycling and resource recovery rates, particularly in developing countries. Recommendation L.1081 provides procedures and examples for erasing information-storage media from ICT devices at the end of their product life cycle, and can be applied to reconditioning, refurbishing, and data erasing in recycling facilities, supporting erasure methods on the basis of data-sensitivity levels to minimize the risk of information leakage. Recommendation L.1621 provides a framework for urban policymakers, citizens, and evaluation agencies to measure urban circularity by defining KPIs in terms of sharing, recycling, renovation, reuse, replacement, digitization, and reduction. This correction (corrigendum) updates the referenced standard in Recommendation L. 1007, which specifies the list of tests required to evaluate the energy efficiency, interoperability, safety, and EMC functional aspects of the external universal power adapter solutions for portable ICT devices. The Technical Report to Recommendation L. 1071 provides guidelines for the conformity assessment of ICT products for environmental information, leveraging the DPP information model based on Recommendation L.1071.

Six new work items were agreed to begin consideration: L.1022 rev “Circular economy: Definition and concepts for material efficiency for ICT,” L.SPV_EOL “Framework and requirements for sustainable end-of-life management of solar photovoltaic,” L.EW_INT_ACT “E-waste lifecycle integrity and accountability,” L.GDSR “Guidelines for data sanitization and resource recovery of end-of-life storage devices,” L.DPIS “Guidelines for a modular and scalable data system design for digital product information systems (DPIS) for ICT goods,” and L.TR-CONF-to-L.1071 “Guidance on conformity assessment of ICT goods/products to standards for ITU-T L.1071/ETSI ES 204 082.”

2.3 Discussions and results of WP3/5 - New and emerging telecommunications/ICTs solutions for Climate Action towards Net Zero emissions

2.3.1 Q9/5: Assessing the impact of telecommunications/ICTs on climate change, biodiversity and the environment - including the influence on other sectors

Q9/5 aims to develop assessment methodologies and guidance that allow for the objective, transparent, and practical assessments of the sustainability impacts of, for example, telecommunications/ICTs, artificial intelligence (AI), and IMT-2020 (5G), to align their developmental trajectories with the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda. Also taking into account the importance of climate change and biodiversity challenges as stressed by the Special Report Global Warming of 1.5°C issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services issued by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, this Question intends to particularly focus on these two topics as well. The ICT sector has the responsibility to limit its own lifecycle impact on climate change, biodiversity, and other environmental aspects. In parallel, the ICT sector can contribute to changing the current unsustainable consumption and production patterns, strengthening scientific, technological, innovative capacities, and supporting the implementation of the latest technologies that have been demonstrated to be sustainable. The ICT sector has a unique opportunity to shape behaviors in a more sustainable direction by accelerating climate change adaptation and mitigation actions, and other sustainability improvement ICTs are providing technologies that enhance the development of climate models including emission trends in other sectors. This Question also aims to study how environmental assessments may be used in the frame of broader sustainable development assessments including economic, environmental, and social assessments.

At this meeting, it was consented to revise Recommendation L.1480 “Enabling the Net Zero transition - Assessing how the use of information and communication technology solutions impacts greenhouse gas emissions of other sectors.” Recommendation L. 1480 provides a methodology to quantitatively assess the net second-order effects of ICT solutions to enable fair, transparent, and comprehensive assessments of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

It was also decided to open three new work items: L.1470 rev “GHG emission trajectories for the ICT sector compatible with the UNFCCC Paris Agreement,” L.ITservices_footprint “Methodology to assess the environmental footprint of data centre IT hosting services and cloud services,” and L.Transition Plans “Guidance on transition plans for the ICT sector at the national and industry levels.”

2.3.2 Q11/5: Climate change mitigation and smart energy solutions

This Question is part of Question 11/5 of the previous study period, which develops standards, guidance, supplements and/or technical reports to create smart energy solutions using new and emerging telecommunications/ICTs including those that use AI.

At this meeting, the new Recommendations L.1328 “Specification for waste heat reuse in telecommunication rooms and data centers” and L.1491 “Measurement methodology and best practices for decarbonization of industrial park in support of net zero” were consented.

Recommendation L.1328 focuses on waste-heat reuse technology in telecommunication buildings and datacenters, and specifies evaluation indicators and measurement methods for waste-heat reuse based on current development issues. Recommendation L.1491 focuses on how industrial parks can achieve net zero using advanced ICT, providing assessment processes and ICT tools towards net zero and best practices in ICT for achieving net zero.

Five new work items were also decided to open: L.MMOC “Multi-microgrid scheduling architecture and scenario requirements aiming for reduction of GHG emissions,” L.TLB “Full time immersion liquid temperature-controlled lithium iron phosphate battery systems,” L.ups_framework “Management system framework of UPS with Li-ion batteries for infrastructure,” L.ESS-adapt “Management system architecture for container-type energy storage system (ESS) supporting environment-adaptive operation,” and LSTR_GHG_DR “Mechanism and framework of power grid demand response based on GHG emission factor.”

2.3.3 Q12/5: Climate actions and adaptation to climate change through sustainable and resilient telecommunications/ICTs (including new and emerging)

This Question aims to develop recommendations, supplements, and/or technical reports that support enablement of telecommunications/ICTs (including new and emerging) to accelerate climate mitigation and adaptation actions. Particular emphasis has been placed on expanding the digital sustainable transition of rural communities and areas as well as circular and sustainable cities to build and maintain climate resilient societies. ICTs can promote other sectors to adapt to the adverse impact of climate change with, for instance, but not limited to, early warning systems, smart agriculture applications, building optimization, etc. This Question covers the actions to be undertaken by the ICT sector to anticipate and adapt itself to these adverse effects (i.e., ICTs resilient to floods and high temperature, etc.).

At this meeting, the new Recommendation L.1510 “Environmental KPIs for digital infrastructure adapting to climate change” was consented. Recommendation L.1510 defines KPIs for GHG emissions, water use, electricity supply, ecosystems, and waste, and enables infrastructure companies to measure and report progress toward sustainability goals using industry-wide KPIs.

Two new work items, L.Carbon_SLP “Guidelines for the construction of smart low-carbon power supply facilities adapted to island biodiversity” and L.ICT4LGTL “Guidelines of using ICT for low carbon transition of logistics,” were also decided to open.