Reducing CO2
We employ climate protection measures throughout the Group to reduce CO2 emissions, conserve resources and use energy more efficiently.
All-in for climate protection: We are dedicated to reducing our impact on the environment as well as that of our customers.
One central focal point of our CR strategy is assuming responsibility for helping to create a climate-friendly society. We intend to do our part through efforts such as our climate protection target - to reduce our CO2 emissions throughout the Group by 20% by 2020 compared to 2008 (this target does not include T-Mobile USA).
We have specified specific measures and developed measurement tools to help us reach this goal. Our efforts include investing in efficient network technology and optimizing our data centers. We are also improving energy management at our buildings and have set clear CO2 limits for our company fleet.
We use key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge our progress. These indicators help us effectively steer our efforts while keeping our stakeholders informed of our progress. In terms of CO2 emissions, for example, our CO2 Emissions ESG KPI shows the development of our emissions values compared to base year 2008.
CO2 emissions are measured based on the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol standard. We record GHG Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions throughout the Group. Scope 1 accounts for all direct GHG emissions. Scope 2 accounts for indirect emissions associated with the generation of electricity, etc., purchased from external sources.
We also record Scope 3 emissions in Germany and at a number of other national companies. This includes emissions generated by business trips, commuting, our supply chain and the use of products and services. Recording these emissions helps us design targeted measures to reduce our carbon footprint at a corporate and product level.
Our products and services contribute to climate protection as well, helping our customers, for example, to reduce CO2. Thus our solutions make it possible to control the flow of traffic at the Port of Hamburg in real time and help farmers avoid redundant trips when working their fields. And we continue to expand our offer of solutions like these.
National and international cooperation
Effective climate protection calls for joint effort on the part of business, politics, science and society. For that reason we are involved in numerous German initiatives such as the Stiftung 2° foundation as well as international collaborations like the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI). As an industry association, GeSI's aim is to help make society greener and more climate-friendly with the help of ICT solutions.
