[T]he UCS aims to reduce energy consumption and enhance the customer experience through the adoption of a single “one-charger-fits-all” solution for new wireless devices by January 1, 2012. The UCS will use the Micro-USB format as the common universal charging interface, and use energy efficient chargers in compliance with U.S. “Energy Star” requirements for external power adapters that will provide an estimated 50% reduction in standby energy consumption.

“Earth Day serves as a great reminder that the wireless industry and all of us have a role to play when it comes to taking care of our planet. We recognize the need and the responsibility we have to help create a low-carbon economy, and the initiative to adopt a ‘Universal Charging Solution’ is an important step in the right direction,” said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association.

It’s too bad they didn’t go with with Mini-USB over Micro-USB, seeing as lots of people have dozens of the former cable laying around. However, in the end, it’s still rather refreshing to see initiatives like this gain momentum…manufacturers and industry giants working together to solve problems instead of trying to go it alone (read: Sony Betamax / ATRAC, Apple’s proprietary dock-connector, etc), especially as the world continues to shrink.

OverviewCTIA-The Wireless Association is an international nonprofit membership organization that has represented the wireless communications industry since 1984. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products.