Eco Phones Calculator - Check a mobile phones Eco Rating | Better Connections Plan | O2

By the end of 2022, over 300 devices had been rated, and this number is continuously growing to keep up with new products entering the market. This is in response to increasing demand from consumers for greater transparency.

The methodology sets a high bar for manufacturers, with a maximum score of 100 that is intentionally difficult to achieve. While there are no definitive "good" or "bad" scores, the consistent application of the methodology will enable consumers to identify and compare the most environmentally sustainable mobile phones. Over time, this will encourage suppliers to minimise the environmental impact of their devices.

Eco Rating strives to evaluate as many models as possible from all participating mobile suppliers. If a device doesn’t have an Eco Rating score yet, consumers will have to use the information provided by the suppliers to make informed decisions about the device. 

• Use a mobile phone for as long as possible, before replacing it, to reduce its carbon footprint. Approximately 80% of a mobile phone's lifetime greenhouse gas emissions occur during production. 
• Maximise the lifespan of your delicate mobile phone battery, by avoiding exposing it quick charging, trickle charging or extreme temperatures. Avoid keeping your device in excessively hot or humid environments, as this can lead to corrosion and affect other components, including the battery. 
• Ensure the device always has the latest software updates. If you don’t, it may seem like the device is performing poorly, leading to early replacement. 
• Don’t dispose of your device is the screen gets scratched, the battery has low capacity or anything stops working. Instead, take it to an authorized repair centre. Repairs are often more cost-effective than buying a new device. 
• Check whether the supplier or operator offers a take-back program. It may be possible for the device to be refurbished and resold. 
• Devices that can no longer be used should never be thrown in your household rubbish. Take them to a recycling point so raw materials, metals and minerals can be extracted. 

Before launching it, the consortium behind the Eco Rating initiative consulted with all device suppliers, sharing its plans and methodology. At the time of launch in May 2021, 16 suppliers were participating in the scheme. By the end of 2022, this number had increased to 22, representing the majority of the European smartphone market by sales volume. It's important to note that all suppliers support Eco Rating voluntarily, and it’s not a mandatory requirement. Customers will appreciate the transparency and harmonised approach of Eco Rating, and we expect more suppliers to join in the future. 

Eco Rating was created under the guidance and supervision of IHOBE, a publicly-owned agency specialising in economic development, sustainability and the environment. The device suppliers participated in the development process, and the latest standards and guidelines from the European Union, ITU-T, ETSI and ISO were employed, with new parameters incorporated as necessary. 

Learn more about the new Eco Rating methodology (Version 2), applicable from 1 Jan 2023.