September 2012: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released a report titled “Greening ICT Supply Chains – Survey on Conflict Minerals Due Diligence Initiatives.” The report details and assesses the existing conflict minerals supply chain due diligence initiatives that address sustainability issues, especially the management of environmental impacts.

The report, which presents the results of a survey commissioned by ITU and the UN University (UNU), finds that at present, only a few international mineral supply chain initiatives give particular attention to managing environmental issues. It underlines that the more sustainable sourcing choice for ICT companies’ buyers, currently, appears to be minerals carrying assurance by one of these initiatives. The report stresses, however, that in general, ICT companies are not currently looking at the environmental dimension of sustainability. It concludes that this offers an opportunity for UNU and ITU in conjunction with other UN agencies and organizations to provide leadership in closing this gap.

The report was officially launched at the second ITU Green Standards Week held in Paris, France, from 17-21 September 2012. [Publication: Greening ICT Supply Chains – Survey on Conflict Minerals Due Diligence Initiatives] [IISD RS Story on Second ITU Green Standards Week]