O2 has become the first UK operator to implement an eco rating system for mobile devices from various manufacturers.
The scheme has been backed by six major mobile manufacturers, including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, HTC, LG, Samsung and Palm, but other big players such as Apple are absent from the list.
Currently, the list contains 65 mobiles and is topped by the Sony Ericsson Elm — a part of Sony Ericsson's GreenHeart range of eco phones — which scores 4.3 out of 5 for sustainability. Second place is a six-way tie, with 4.0 out of 5, between the Nokia 1800, Nokia 6700, Samsung GT-S8500, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro and the Sony Ericsson Zylo.
The rating system is based on data supplied by manufacturers and looks at "the overall environmental impact of the device over its lifespan: the raw materials it contains; the impacts caused by its manufacture; its packaging; its longevity and energy efficiency; and how easy it is to reuse or recycle".
The Sony Ericsson Elm upped its green credentials by being manufactured from recycled plastics, free from hazardous chemicals and coming with a lower power charger — as well as an on-phone manual replacing the traditional paper counterpart. It also includes a Walk Mate eco app and a "Green Calculator".
Popular handsets such as the HTC Desire and Samsung Galaxy S score 3.5 and 3.6 out of 5 on the rating system, respectively.
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