What question did this study set out to answer?

This report aims to integrate holistic sustainability into the architecture of next-generation 6G networks.

June 18, 2026Open Access

Sustainable 6G by Design - An SNS-Driven Vision for AI-Native, System-Level Sustainability.

AHArtur HeckerHuawei Technologies (Germany)RARui L. AguiarInstituto de Telecomunicações CLChiara LombardoUniversity of Genoa

Key Points

This report aims to integrate holistic sustainability into the architecture of next-generation 6G networks.
Developed a comprehensive framework for sustainability in 6G networks centered on environmental, social, and economic factors.
Identified key trade-offs in AI-native systems and gaps in standardisation and research.
Outlined strategies for minimizing the direct environmental footprint while enhancing positive impacts across industries.
Highlighting the necessity for an end-to-end sustainability approach rather than focusing solely on hardware energy efficiency.
Emphasizing the importance of aligning 6G design with broader environmental and social goals.
Proposing recommendations to maximize positive industry impacts while addressing sustainability challenges.

Abstract

This technical report provides a comprehensive framework for embedding holistic sustainability directly into the architecture of next-generation 6G networks. It shifts the focus from simple hardware energy efficiency to an end-to-end approach covering environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The paper details key trade-offs in AI-native systems, identifies standardisation and research gaps, and outlines strategies to reduce 6G's direct footprint while maximising its positive impact ("handprint") across vertical industries like energy and transport. Note: This report is a collaborative work done by various projects. It was presented at the EuCNC Artur Hecker (Huawei); Rui L. Aguiar (Instituto de Telecomunicações); Anna Aseeva (Digital for Planet); Ayat Zaki Hindi (LIST); Akshay Jain (Nokia); Anastasius Gavras (Erescom); Katrina Petersen (PSC Europe); Mays AL-Naday (University of Sussex); Eva Hajdok, Massimo Neri (Martel Innovate); Carlos Jesus Bernardos Cano (UC3M); Christoph Schmelz (Nokia); Stefan Wendt (Orange); Sébastien Faye (LIST)

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper