Tele2 achieves Science Based Target emissions reduction ahead of schedule

Based on Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) approved targets, Tele2 has already met its objective of a ninety percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, well in advance of the original target deadline in 2025.

- Tele2 aims to lead in sustainability and reaching this target ahead of time demonstrates that leadership as well as our commitment to delivering on our sustainability goals. It also shows that it’s possible to set ambitious climate targets and reach them, says Viktor Wallström, EVP Communications & Sustainability, at Tele2.

The reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions related to Tele2’s own operations and energy consumption was a result of using 100% renewable electricity throughout 2021 as well as carbon removals using a combination of forestry projects and the latest and most innovative carbon-capture and storage technologies. Tele2’s emission reductions apply the SBTi’s value-chain net zero requirements.

- We are proud to be making a real and measurable contribution to the European Union goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the century, says Erik Wottrich, Head of Sustainability, at Tele2.

As part of its updated sustainability strategy and based on agreed SBTi targets, Tele2 has the further goal of zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2029 and a reduction in Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions of 60% per subscription by 2029. Greenhouse gas emission reductions are calculated using 2019 as the base year.

Tele2’s Annual and Sustainability Report also highlighted performance across all four focus areas of its updated sustainability strategy: advance circular economy to combat climate change, boost innovation for sustainability, maximize potential through an inclusive and diverse workplace, and protecting children in a connected society.

- Our updated sustainability strategy builds on more than 9 000 responses to surveys and interviews with stakeholders and provides a clear roadmap for achieving our sustainability goals across the identified focus areas, says Erik Wottrich, Head of Sustainability, at Tele2.

Using the Upright Project’s impact model, Tele2 has a sustainability net positive impact ratio of 52%. This ratio quantifies the net impact of a business across the four dimensions of society, knowledge, health and environment. Tele2’s score reflects its positive impact in areas such as job creation, tax paid, infrastructure, as well as the connections and relationships between people that telecommunications create and maintain.

Other sustainability achievements for 2021 included Tele2’s Equileap ranking as one of the top five Swedish companies for gender equality and the deepening cooperation with and technical support provided to ECPAT, an organization that aims to stop the spread of child exploitation material on the Internet.

In 2021, the Trygg Surf child product to protect children and young people from inappropriate Internet content was made available to 100% of our customers in Sweden. Tele2 is also leading the Europe-wide AI4Green project which aims to identify how artificial intelligence can be used to increase the energy efficiency of mobile networks.

For more information, please contact:

Samuel Maher, Interim Corporate Communications Manager, Phone: +46 73 159 55 02