The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) has released its second progress report on the environmental sustainability of telecom networks in Belgium, revealing both encouraging progress and notable challenges. Operators have stepped up initiatives to cut emissions, switch to renewable power, and electrify their vehicle fleets, but the report notes a lack of consistent, transparent data that prevents a clear picture of the sector’s total environmental footprint.

While several telecom companies have reduced direct CO₂ emissions and expanded recycling efforts, the overall energy consumption of networks continues to climb. This increase is largely driven by surging data demand, the rollout of 5G, and the higher power needs of modern equipment. BIPT also highlights that although some firms are adopting circular-economy principles, such as reusing network materials and refurbishing hardware, these efforts remain uneven and fragmented across the industry.

To accelerate meaningful progress, BIPT is calling on Belgian telecom operators to adopt standardised sustainability metrics and share more detailed environmental performance data. The regulator argues that stronger collaboration, transparent reporting, and clearer carbon-reduction targets are essential if Belgium’s telecom sector is to achieve long-term climate goals and align with the EU’s Green Deal objectives.