Digital Factor

Chen Jiakai, CEO of Huawei Uzbekistan, on how the Chinese tech giant implements sustainability and eco-friendliness in its strategy.

Huawei operates in 170 countries and regions, and we have been present in Uzbekistan for 25 years. Huawei’s vision and mission are to bring digital technologies to every individual, household, and organisation to create an interconnected and intelligent world. Building on this foundation, we have developed our sustainability strategy, considering it a priority that aligns with the company’s growth.

Green progress

Today, digital technologies play a key role in preserving nature, promoting green development, and addressing environmental challenges. Digitalisation and decarbonisation can complement each other to drive green progress. In collaboration with clients, suppliers, and partners globally, Huawei explores the optimal way to build a low-carbon and circular economy while fostering a green value chain through innovation.

The company has implemented a sustainability management system based on standards such as ISO 26000 and the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct. We closely monitor internal and external environments to identify risks and opportunities for sustainable development, continuously improving our management system. This approach supports the execution of our sustainability strategy, ensures compliance with operational requirements, and enhances stakeholder satisfaction.

For over a decade, Huawei has operated a Corporate Sustainable Development (CSD) Committee, which meets quarterly to discuss and make decisions on sustainability. In 2023, the Committee focused on key topics such as sustainability governance, energy efficiency, emissions reduction, strategic business planning, circular economy initiatives, and employee support.

Initiatives for sustainability

The company actively pursues several initiatives to support sustainable development and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, under its longstanding commitment Tech for Better Planet, Huawei leverages ICT innovations to address climate and environmental challenges. Our efforts are concentrated on four areas: energy conservation and emissions reduction, promotion of renewable energy, contributions to the circular economy, and nature conservation through technology. We continuously identify opportunities for low-carbon environmental protection across campuses, data centres, and supply chains.

Shared vision

I am delighted that our perspectives on sustainable development align closely with Uzbekistan’s green agenda, particularly in the adoption of solar technologies. For example, Huawei recently installed its first energy storage system for an accumulation power station in the Fergana region. This project is a vital component of Uzbekistan’s ambitious energy strategy to address electricity shortages and support the country’s transition to a green economy.

Our Digital Power business division continues to operate tirelessly, promoting the shift to renewable energy across all industries that utilise digital technologies. In 2023 alone, our digital energy solutions enabled clients worldwide to generate 997.9 bn kWh of clean energy and save 46.1 bn kWh of electricity. These efforts collectively reduced CO₂ emissions by 495 mn tonnes.

The United Nations’ scientific research highlights that to prevent the worst scenarios and consequences of climate change, the global temperature rise must remain below 1.5°C. Achieving this requires coordinated efforts by governments across key sectors such as industry, transport, energy, and agriculture to urgently transition from traditional development patterns to green paradigms.

High efficiency

The ICT sector cannot stand aside from addressing these critical issues. For instance, through its Green Sky Program, Huawei continuously innovates to enhance the architecture, technology, and design of antennas to create efficient and environmentally friendly networks while maintaining robust connectivity. Since 2019, the average energy efficiency of Huawei’s core products has improved 2.6 times. Huawei’s 5G solutions fully align with global green agendas and sustainability principles. The company actively develops and implements innovative approaches to building fifth-generation networks that not only boost performance and data transmission speeds but also significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Huawei employs advanced technologies such as AI-powered algorithms for energy optimisation, smart antennas with minimal energy loss, and highly efficient components to minimise the environmental impact of 5G networks. The company’s Zero Bit Zero Watt principle drastically reduces energy consumption by ensuring equipment uses resources efficiently. In simple terms, when there is no data traffic, the energy consumption of the equipment approaches zero.

Huawei is also committed to fostering business models that support a circular economy. The company continues to adopt eco-friendly materials, low-carbon emission processes, sustainable packaging, efficient transportation, durable products, and innovative ways to reduce waste. Collaborating with global environmental organisations, telecom operators, and project partners, Huawei explores the use of ICT to protect forests, wetlands, and oceans. By the end of 2023, the company had leveraged digital technologies to implement conservation projects across 53 protected areas worldwide.

Today, Huawei places special emphasis on the sustainable development of its global supply chain. For over a decade, the company has been testing solutions to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions among its suppliers. Huawei organises an annual supplier conference focused on carbon emission reduction, where it clearly outlines its requirements, strategies, and actions for lowering carbon emissions across the supply chain.