Published: Sep 29, 2022
Last update: Oct 13, 2022
Business communication SMS services

SMS, the most ecological Communication Channel for companies

ENG Labsmobile Octubre SMSCanalmasEcologico EN V1
SMS, the most ecological Communication Channel for companies
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Any action as daily as sending an SMS message, a WhatsApp, an email, or using the RRSS has a direct impact on CO2 emissions.

When we talk about climate change, each of these actions becomes something unquantifiable. That is why we encourage each company to become aware, identify their consumption and try to reduce it.

Later we will tell you about our action plan to try to reduce our footprint and be a much more sustainable company, through a CO2 absorption project.

But first, let’s delve into why SMS is the greenest communication channel.

Shall we start?

Digital communications emit CO2

Digital pollution is something very present today, and this is undoubtedly obvious. It is difficult to imagine a world in which we lack the internet, in which we do not have a mobile phone, a tablet, or a computer.

But where does digital pollution come from?

Digital pollution comes from the flow of data on the internet. To make use of this data we use technological elements that require a very high amount of energy.

How much CO2 does each communication channel emit?

As we can see in the graph, each communication channel emits a different amount of CO2.

 

 

For example, in the case of emails that reach the SPAM folder, they consume 0.3g of CO2 since they are stored on a server and stored until the person consciously deletes them.

A video call, on the other hand, produces between 4g and up to 250g of CO2, according to a study carried out in Sydney in 2012 by the University of New South Wales.

Mobile applications also have an impact on the planet, according to Mike Berners-Lee (researcher), they release almost 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide on the planet every day. This corresponds to 0.2g per WhatsApp message or for each Tweet. And also, this amount depends on each video, emoji, or image that is sent along with the message.

In the case of SMS, there is a smaller amount of data and intermediaries involved in the process. Frequencies and the conventional mobile phone network are used, so the route between sender and receiver is more direct. In addition, the consumption is reduced to the energy needed as a power source for the devices.

That is why sending an SMS is by far the most ecological option since each text message generates between 0.012g and 0.014g. A considerably lower amount compared to the rest of the media.

What about non-digital communication channels…?

Analog or non-digital communication channels must also be taken into account since they also represent a very large source of CO2 emissions. An example would be an advertising brochure sent by conventional mail. This emits 70 times more CO2 emissions than an email. That is, more than 240g per recipient.

Examples of SMS with greener communication

Some of the most common examples of green SMS notifications and shipments are:

1

Sending SMS messages for promotions and discounts

This option is one of the main uses of sending messages to clients. With SMS you make this type of message an “eco-responsible” asset for your company.

It is undoubtedly the most ecological form of promotional distribution today.

2

Sending transactional messages (reminders, tracking…)

The use of SMS in transactional communications is another way of advocating for ecology. In addition, SMS have an open rate of 98% within 3 minutes of receiving them.

3

Sending certified messages

Sending Certified SMS allows legal notifications to be sent, saving paper costs and contributing to the environment.

In addition, Certified SMS is the cheapest way, compared to certified letters or burofax.

This type of message allows communications such as certifications of high and low contracts, claim for non-payment or other collection procedures, notices of all kinds, or information on changes in conditions or new rates.

LabsMobile and CO2 compensation with Tree-Nation

Trees are a fundamental pillar of life; they help purify water and air and allow us to have better social conditions. In addition, they benefit the environment by providing homes for different life forms.

For this reason, LabsMobile has been collaborating since January 2021 with Tree-Nation, a reforestation project, which aims to offset the CO2 emissions produced by companies and citizens.

Likewise, Tree Nation gives away trees to those customers who buy SMS packages with our platform to offset emissions by planting trees around the world.

If you want, you can take a look at the LabsMobile Forest here.

Currently Tree-Nation has a list of active projects around the world where you can discover the different planting projects, they have underway.

At LabsMobile we have chosen Madagascar, Colombia, and Brazil to plant our first trees.

LabsMobile and eco communication, are a challenge for everyone

LabsMobile opts for the most ecological choice possible in its communications, and thus manages to limit the impact on the environment, through Tree-Nation and the planting of trees.