VoIP doesn't just provide you with a modern phone system at a more affordable cost. It can also be a more environmentally-friendly option than old-school systems.
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There are lots of great benefits of VoIP phone service: clear phone calls, connecting to your computer or smartphone, competitive pricing … and environmental benefits?
VoIP offers more than just good phone service. It can also help you feel better about making a positive impact and reducing your carbon footprint. Keep reading to find out how.
3 Ways VoIP Phone Systems Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
If the advanced features of VoIP aren’t enough to sway you to update your phone system, perhaps these benefits to the environmental will. Here are three ways modern phone systems can reduce your carbon footprint.
VoIP Systems Are More Energy Efficient
Traditional phone systems work by converting your voice into electrical analog signals, which are routed through copper wires to the caller on the other end. This is different from how VoIP works, which simply converts sound waves into digital packets that are transferred through the internet. This process is more energy efficient than outdated technology.
You can make your phone system even more energy efficient by using ENERGY STAR certified phones. These phones use about 40% less energy than traditional VoIP phones and have settings that can be controlled to turn phones off when inactive for saving even more energy.
There are two major benefits of using a more energy-efficient VoIP system. The first is that by using less electricity, you’re reducing your carbon footprint, as fewer gases are released into our atmosphere.
In addition to being better for the earth, this is also better for your wallet as it reduces your electricity usage and lowers your bill. While the savings may not seem substantial from bill to bill, these cost savings can really add up over time.
VoIP Eliminates Old Infrastructure
As previously mentioned, old phone systems use copper wiring. Concerns have been raised through the years how this wiring — and additional outdated infrastructure — negatively impacts our environment.
First, the mining and extraction of copper from the earth can lead to several negative effects on the environment, including land degradation, air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and piles of waste. Deforestation is also required in order to mine copper.
Disposing of old infrastructure can also be a problem, as copper doesn’t break down. It can contaminate soil and water, affecting farmlands, plants, and animals.
Fortunately, VoIP does not require this old copper wiring to operate, therefore reducing some of these environmental issues.
VoIP Helps Reduce Vehicle Emissions By Supporting Remote Workers
VoIP offers more than just reliable phone service. VoIP phone systems are great for remote workers.
VoIP allows employees to use any device anywhere to answer phones, making it a great choice for remote work. Workers won’t even have to drive to the office for meetings, as video conferencing is a feature of VoIP systems.
How does this impact the environment? Well, it’s simple. Fewer workers on the road mean fewer emissions from vehicles. This keeps our air cleaner and healthier, without impacting productivity for your business.
The Bottom Line On The Environmental Impact Of VoIP Phone Systems
VoIP has a lot to offer businesses that are still using outdated phone systems. Not only is service more reliable, more affordable, and more advanced than ever, but it also boasts a few environmental benefits that can help your business make a difference.
Ready to start shopping your options to transform your business? Start with our list of the best VoIP systems, which offers plenty of options to fit businesses (and budgets) of all sizes.