Towards a 6G embedding sustainability

TL;DR

This paper discusses the design principles and sustainability objectives of 6G technology, emphasizing reducing environmental impacts and enabling positive societal effects aligned with UN SDGs.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive sustainability framework for 6G, including KPIs, targets, and the integration of 6G with UN SDGs for societal benefits.

Findings

Defined KPIs and quantitative targets for 6G sustainability

Proposed a link between 6G and UN SDGs

Illustrated use case families demonstrating 6G's enablement effects

Abstract

From its conception, 6G is being designed with a particular focus on sustainability. The general philosophy of the H2020 Hexa-X project work on sustainability in 6G is based on two principles: to reduce direct negative life cycle impacts of 6G systems as much as possible (Sustainable 6G) and to analyze use cases that maximize positive environmental, social, and economic effects in other sectors of society (6G for Sustainability or its enablement effect). To apply this philosophy, Hexa-X is designing 6G with three sustainability objectives in mind: to enable the reduction of emissions in 6G-powered sectors of society, to reduce the total cost of ownership and to improve energy efficiency. This paper describes these objectives, their associated KPIs and quantitative targets, and the levers to reach them. Furthermore, to maximize the positive effects of 6G through the enablement effect, a link between 6G and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) framework is proposed and illustrated by Hexa-X use case families.