Saving the World with VoIP: 3 Reasons Why VoIP Phones Are Eco-Friendly

man picking telephone receiver

Ever since the introduction of Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIP) in the late 2000s, the market share for VoIP phones has skyrocketed. With over 205 billion subscribers around the world, VoIP phones are a telecommunications staple in not just our homes but in our offices too. Did you know that the Social Security Administration managed internal communications with over 1500 of its offices with a central VoIP system?

Safe to say, the acronym VoIP has become synonymous with efficiency and cost savings. Businesses around the globe are transitioning to VoIP systems from conventional landline systems—which are not only slower but also more costly.

However, when you’re living in an era of climate emergency and environmental degradation, it only seems inevitable to ask VoIP users the question: is your mode of communication eco-friendly?

How sustainable are VoIP phones and how do they impact our environment in the long run?

At Top5 Business VoIP, we strive to bring to you some of the best VoIP phone systems and service providers. In line with our goals, today’s blog is dedicated to dismantling the environmental impact of VoIP phones.

Let’s find out if our favorite telecommunications solution is actually eco-friendly.

#1: Waste Production with VoIP Systems

If you’re getting a new VoIP phone installed in your home or office then what are you doing about your old analog telephones? Are you disposing them off in plastic cans? Do they end up in our landfills?

The answer is no and no.

VoIP systems don’t require an extensive installation and maintenance process. You can simply adjust it within your existing telephone lines. All you really need is a solid broadband connection.

You see, VoIP phones are solely reliant on a good internet connection because they’re converting your analog voice signals to digital data packets. These packets of data are then transmitted via internet lines. So, if you like you can keep your old phone and revamp it with the power of an efficient VoIP system. This could be your VoIP hard-phone.

You also have the option to incorporate a soft-phone for greater mobility. Depending on the service provider you sign up with, you simply need to install a VoIP app onto your mobile device to get started.

In summary, VoIP phones don’t require much hardware and the more mobile you go, the less waste there is. Thanks to the little demand for hardware, VoIP phones take up much less space in your office. Plus, even if you feel like a hard-phone is a necessity for your business, you’re basically reusing the old telephone lines, so you’re not buying any new cables and wires to get connected.

#2: What about Transport and Travel Costs?

Air and road transportation is one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and carbon emissions in the United States. In fact, transportation systems produce more than half of the carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide released into our air.

When you’re following a business-as-usual model, you and your staff are likely to travel via air or by car to work on a regular basis. Imagine the weekly conference meetings and the air travel required to collaborate with foreign clients!

However, VoIP phones enable its user to effectively telecommute, thereby reducing their need to travel and pollute the environment. Most VoIP providers offer audio and video conferencing features that provide a useful alternative for attending important meetings, especially the ones held overseas.

In addition to this, VoIP phones enable workers to plan flexible work schedules for themselves. Now they can work from remote locations and keep their carbon emissions in check. Managers and executives who’re a little skeptical about this method of working can rest assured that VoIP systems let them track and monitor the work progress. You can also view the status of your employees on the screen of your desktop or mobile screen, so you know how many hours they’ve spent working on the actual assignment.

#3: Office Supplies and VoIP Phones: Is There a Link?

When it comes to becoming environmentally friendly, one of the first things that most businesses choose to do is become paper-free. VoIP phones effectively reduce the need for paper in offices by digitizing all processes.

While messages and emails are commonplace, you can now take your fax messages online too. Most VoIP service providers now offer an online fax feature that lets users exchange messages without having to print them out onto paper. You can also choose which devices you’d like to receive your fax on, e.g., cell phone or tablet.

In pushing most office functions online, VoIP phones also save tons of energy. You now need to invest less in printers and desktops. Plus, with flexible functions, you require fewer people onsite. This means reduced electricity and water usage at work.

Conclusion

As more businesses opt to become eco-friendly, many critics wonder whether this move is tied to a genuine concern for the environment.

Regardless of the intent, one thing is for certain: green business models are highly profitable.

Businesses also win consumer loyalty and support by adopting eco-friendly operations. Studies show that over 80 percent of consumers respect and choose to work with businesses that follow green strategies.

And the trend is only becoming potent with time. The younger generation is showing an increased devotion to saving the planet. More people are choosing to shop with environmentally friendly brands. Not to mention, local authorities are encouraging businesses to go green by providing them with incentives like tax credits.

While becoming an eco-friendly business is a conscious decision whose results come to fruition over a long period of time, switching over from traditional landlines to VoIP phones is one way to solidify your commitment to saving the Earth.

If you’re ready to take the leap and now want to subscribe with a reliable VoIP service provider, log onto the Top5 Business VoIP website. We offer comprehensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons to help you choose the best VoIP service provider for your business!