AT&T Inc. has joined up with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders to explore and develop cutting-edge approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The EPA is currently evaluating the provisions of the Clean Air Act that may be applicable to regulating greenhouse gas emissions. In a filing with the EPA, AT&T advised federal regulators that its company and the information and communications technology (ICT) industry at large are uniquely positioned to develop and advance solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while protecting and promoting economic opportunities.

“Protecting the environment and economic growth can go hand in hand,” says Randall Stephenson,  AT&T chairman, chief executive officer and president. “As a nation, we can limit greenhouse gas emissions and, at the same time, expand our potential for economic growth. Communications and broadband infrastructure, like the network and services AT&T provides, will be essential components in driving economic growth and achieving meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”

In its filing, AT&T advised that there are numerous opportunities for ICT to increase energy efficiency and productivity while reducing carbon emissions. Some examples include:

• Decreasing energy-intensive travel through telecommuting, teleconferencing and other services.
• Providing centralized data management, Internet, communications and software service for customers.
• Dematerializing public and commercial activities through electronic billing, online provision of governmental services and online delivery of goods and services, such as education, libraries, research, medicine, videos and music.
• Rationalizing transportation and distribution systems using next-generation dispatching and planning software combined with satellite-based GPS systems.
• Improving energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings through more sophisticated monitoring and dispatching systems for more accurate control and delivery of energy.

“Recent findings from the SMART 2020 study clearly illustrate the potential of ICT,” says Paul Dickinson, cofounder and CEO of the Carbon Disclosure Project. “In the U.S., ICT-enabled solutions could cut annual emissions by as much as 22 percent by 2020, which translates to energy savings of up to $240 billion. Not only that, but ICT can also be a strong catalyst for economic growth not just in the United States but across the globe.”