Ecodesign is an approach that considers the product's effect on the environment at each stage of its life cycle:
- Materials. This includes conserving scarce resources and using low-impact materials.
- Manufacturing. Design for cleaner production.
- Distribution. Design for efficient delivery.
- Use. Design for service and repair. This includes energy efficiency, conserving water, minimal consumption, low-impact use and durability.
- End of life. Design for re-use, disassembly, recycling and safe disposal.
Here are five ways that ecodesign is used in the TETRA systems from Airbus:
RoHS-compliant TETRA equipment
Electronic products are notorious for containing harmful substances. But the TETRA Servers from Airbus are different:
- Taira TETRA Servers and DXTA TETRA Servers comply with the RoHS, the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. The directive restricts in electrical and electronic equipment the use of such hazardous substances as:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Flame retardants
- Taira and DXTA TETRA Servers pack more performance into a much smaller frame. This saves floor space, cooling and energy consumption.
Software upgrades
Software upgrades are easier on the ecosystem than hardware upgrades. Over the years, a variety of base station features have been developed so that they can be introduced as software upgrades into TB3 series base stations over a remote connection.
Upgrades that do not require a site visit are easier on the wallet, too.
Energy-efficient radio terminals
TETRA radios from Airbus are energy efficient. When operated in a network provided by Airbus, the radios can assume “Energy Economy,” a special operating mode that prolongs battery life. With this feature, the terminal checks at prescribed intervals to see whether the system has something to send. If it doesn't, the terminal "sleeps," saving power.
Maximum coverage with minimal base stations
The TB3 series TETRA base stations from Airbus are extremely sensitive. That means you can achieve maximum network coverage with fewer base stations. And that saves transmission, energy consumption and building masts.
Mobile workforce support
Mobile technology – especially TETRA radio communication complemented by broadband – enables people to do more while on the move, without visiting an office. For example, workers can fill out intelligent, electronic forms in the field. This saves on fuel and on other transportation resources. It also saves paper and gets the job done more efficiently.
That's good for business as well as good for the environment.
Embracing ecodesign
Call it a convenient truth: From RoHS-compliant equipment to ecodesign, Airbus Defence and Space can bring eco-friendly radio communication to your organisation.
