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

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 & 6G Summit 2026 during Workshop 11: "Sustainable by Design, Sustainable in Operation: The 6G Perspective". Authors/ Contributors: Chiara Lombardo (University of Genoa); 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)