BT has unveiled a new range of more energy efficient phones, heralding the start of an approximate €2.5 million commitment to improve the energy efficiency of its entire home-phone range.  More than ninety per cent of the entire home phone range supplied by BT is now more energy efficient at no extra cost to the consumer.

The new handsets boast power units designed specifically to consume around half the power of previous units, not only reducing electricity costs for consumers but also contributing significantly to cutting CO2 emissions. 

BT estimates that the replacement of all its DECT cordless and fixed-line phones with more energy-efficient equivalents will result in an overall reduction in CO2 emissions in excess of 195,0001 tonnes over the next three years - the equivalent of taking 57,000 cars off the road for a year2.   Consumers are also set to save a total of more than €48.5 million 3 through reduced electricity bills. 

BT has also reduced the amount of packaging required for each phone.  This includes replacing the user guides with smaller ‘quick-start’ leaflets, whilst making the fuller, detailed guides available online or on request via the phone. 

The first phones in BT’s new more energy-efficient range are DECT cordless models, comprising the BT Graphite 1500 with answering machine, BT Graphite 1100, BT Freestyle 610 and BT Freestyle 650 with answering machine. The new phones are available now from Tesco Ireland stores nationwide.

Micheal Burke, Director, Consumer South, said: “BT has continued to address environmental concerns by launching phones that consume approximately half the electricity of previous models; this will make a major contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions.  We know that our customers are just as keen to reduce environmental impact and through these phones we will jointly make a significant difference.”

Natalie Jessa Non Food Buying Manager at Tesco Ireland added: “Tesco is committed to being a responsible retailer which gives customers choice and value. We are delighted to work with BT to launch these new more energy-efficient phones. These phones are a simple, affordable solution to help customers reduce their electricity consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.”