On April 1st, 2009, at the Smart Energy Wireless 2009 trade-show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the CTIA-The Wireless Association overwhelmingly adopted the Universal Charger Solution (UCS).
Ironically, on a day infamous for practical jokes – at a convention named Smart Energy – held on behalf of an industry notorious for its negative environmental impact – in a city not recognized for energy conservation, this measure was accepted for 2012 compliance.
As discussed in an earlier post, the UCS is a surprisingly commendable, 
albeit shortsighted, first draft from the mobile wireless industry. It lacks comprehension as it fails to fully address vampire energy loss that occurs in mobile devices. We strongly suggest a revision that forms necessary standards for truly energy efficient Eco chargers.
Research suggests that UCS chargers will only reduce vampire energy by 50%, instead of aiming to eliminate vampire energy consumption altogether. Why not take up front action and manufacture universal chargers with exisisting technology that eliminates wasteful energy loss?
The UCS does bring the right discussion to the table. It’s most Eco-notable quality is the call for a standard micro-USB user interface between a mobile device and its charger. This universal standard will reduce the vast amount of chargers that go into landfills every year, reduce energy that is required to manufacture them, and reduce carbon emissions during shipping.
However, most environmental rewards and positive PR of the UCS are ancillary among the biggest trophy – reduced costs for mobile device manufacturers. The UCS will reduce design, manufacturing, packaging and shipping costs of chargers for mobile device manufacturers.
If an industry’s goal is to provide profitable tech-savvy products and be environmentally revolutionary, then consumers must demand that their electronics actually be energy efficient, instead of only being labeled as such. After all – a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Tags: clean tech, climate change, Eco battery, eco charger, eco charging, Eco friendly, energy efficiency, energy efficient, green tech, smart energy, universal charging solution, vampire energy
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So when will mobile device manufacturers start selling Eco Chargers? I could care less if it’s universal … i just want it to save me money – ie no energy waste????
I agree with the poster below … people want to save money. Most people don’t even know what Vampire Energy Loss or Eco Chargers are … or what they do and why they are important. Thanks for the post@!
Huh? Strange that this “UCS” charger initiative is making such waves? What are the benefits of a standard user interface that still sucks wasted energy? Also, why is it not until 2012?????? It seems like good PR takes precedent over good ideas. So they get the PR now and we’ll have to wait 3 years to see if the standard identified today, will still be the standard UI in 3 years????
While the eco market has been around, I think that right now it is starting gain traction in the mainstream. I agree that if universal chargers are the standard then they should be as energy efficient as possible. So, the UCS takes away landfill waste, but still wastes energy???????