Deutsche Telekom has become the first DAX 40 company to achieve climate neutrality across its own operations worldwide, covering Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The milestone marks the successful completion of the Group’s decarbonization program on schedule, positioning Telekom as a global leader in corporate climate action.
The climate neutrality achievement applies to directly caused emissions and those resulting from purchased electricity. By implementing long-term sustainability measures across Germany and international markets, Telekom is reinforcing its commitment to limiting climate change while strengthening operational efficiency and economic performance.
Green electricity and long-term PPAs drive decarbonization
A central pillar of Telekom’s climate strategy is its transition to green electricity. The company has signed long-term power purchase agreements to secure renewable energy supplies. These agreements provide price stability and enable the development of new solar and wind farms.
Large-scale battery storage systems installed at multiple locations support grid stability and act as backup storage for renewable electricity during periods when wind and solar generation fluctuate. This integrated renewable energy approach has significantly reduced Telekom’s carbon footprint while ensuring reliable network operations.
Energy efficiency investments cut costs and emissions
Telekom has made substantial investments in energy efficiency, including intelligent grid control systems and modern network technologies. These initiatives have delivered savings of several million euros in energy costs while sharply lowering CO2 emissions.
The Group has reduced its global emissions by more than 94 percent compared to 2017 levels. The remaining emissions, just under six percent, are offset through high-quality CO2 sequestration projects, making Telekom greenhouse gas neutral on its balance sheet.
E-mobility and building modernization support sustainability goals
The company is accelerating the transition of its fleet to e-mobility, reducing operating and maintenance costs while cutting emissions. Office building modernization initiatives, including flexible space utilization, smart control systems, and upgraded heating technology, further reduce energy consumption and carbon output.
Since introducing its ambitious climate targets, Telekom has saved approximately 28 million tons of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. This reduction is equivalent to roughly the annual CO2 absorption capacity of 40 percent of Germany’s total forest area.
Science-based targets and independent validation
In 2019, Telekom committed to reducing operational Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90 to 95 percent by 2025 compared to 2017 levels, in line with the standards of the Science Based Targets initiative. Achieving more than 94 percent emission reduction places the company near the upper end of its target range.
For residual emissions, Telekom relies on high-quality CO2 sequestration projects aligned with the University of Oxford-developed Oxford Principles, specifically categories IV and V. These science-based standards ensure credibility and transparency in carbon neutralization efforts.
Emission metrics are validated by independent auditing firms, similar to financial reporting standards. Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and energy consumption are integrated into management compensation structures, embedding sustainability within corporate governance.
CEO highlights link between climate protection and business success
Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom, said the company has consistently pursued its climate goals and demonstrated that environmental responsibility and economic growth go hand in hand. The company’s stock market and brand value have risen significantly since the introduction of its climate strategy, reinforcing the business case for sustainability.
Robert Metzke, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Telekom, emphasized that digitization must be designed both ecologically and socially, with climate targets aligned to planetary requirements.
2030 and 2040 net-zero targets across value chain
Achieving climate neutrality in its own operations represents only the first phase of Telekom’s sustainability roadmap. By 2030, the company aims to reduce emissions across all three scopes by 55 percent. This includes emissions from product manufacturing, logistics, storage, distribution, and customer use.
By 2040, Deutsche Telekom plans to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire value chain.
Circular economy and Telco Circularity Score
To further strengthen climate protection and resilience, Telekom is intensifying its focus on circular economy practices. The company has introduced the Telco Circularity Score, an industry-specific metric consolidating data from waste avoidance to recycling performance.
The initiative enhances resource efficiency and supports continuous improvement in climate performance. Telekom maintains that preventing CO2 emissions is more effective than removing them later, benefiting both the environment and long-term financial planning.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
