The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has approved an energy-efficient one-charger-fits-all mobile phone standard. The announcement is part of the ITU’s push to have the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) recognized in the draft Copenhagen Agreement as part of the solution toward mitigating climate change.

According to the ITU, the Universal Charging Solution (UCS) will enable the same charger to be used for all future handsets regardless of make and model. It also will dramatically cut the number of chargers produced, shipped, and subsequently discarded as new models become available. Users will be able to charge their mobiles anywhere from any available charger while reducing the energy consumed while charging as well. 

The UCS standard was based on input from the GSMA, which predicts a 50% reduction in standby energy consumption, elimination of 51,000 tons of redundant chargers, and a subsequent reduction of 13.6 million tons in greenhouse gas emissions each year.

“This is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of mobile charging, which also has the benefit of making mobile phone use more straightforward. Universal chargers are a common-sense solution that I look forward to seeing in other areas,” said Malcolm Johnson, director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau.

The ITU’s Study Group 5, Environment and Climate Change, completed the solution’s standardization. Based on the Micro-USB interface, UCS chargers also will include a four-star or higher efficiency rating, which is up to three times more energy efficient than an unrated charger, the ITU says.