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ESG KPI “Carbon Intensity” DT Group KPI
ESG KPI “Carbon Intensity” DT Group in Germany KPI

Since 2016, we have reported on the ESG KPI “Carbon Intensity”. In contrast to the ESG KPI “CO2 emissions” used in previous years, this ESG KPI shows the CO2e emissions in proportion to the transmitted data volumes. Using data volume as a reference parameter makes it possible to create a direct link to the performance of our networks.
Data assured by PwC. Data is partly based on estimates, assumptions and extrapolations.
The ESG KPI figure also takes into account total CO2 emissions for all energy sources – fuel, gas, district heating and electricity. The data volume is composed of the transmitted IP data volumes (including Voice over IP , Internet, IP-TV).
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- GRI 305-4 (Emissions)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD )
- The most important key figures for measuring and managing climate-related opportunities and risks
- Criterion 13 (Climate-Relevant Emissions)
- Principle 7 (Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges)
- Principle 8 (Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility)
European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS)
- E02-01 (GHG Emissions)
Total CO2e emissions (Scopes 1 to 3) DT Group KPI

We present our Scope 1 to 3 greenhouse gas emissions uniformly so that they can be compared with each other. To that end, emissions are converted into metric kilotons of CO2 equivalents (CO2e). We break down the emissions that occur along our value chain; this gives us an overview of where in the value chain the majority of them occur.
By making a complete transition to electricity from renewable energies, we were able to considerably reduce our Scope 2 emissions in the year under review. In 2021, market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions throughout the Group amounted to around 247 000 metric tons of CO2e, or about 90 percent lower than in the previous year.
In 2021, Scope 3 emissions increased in comparison to the previous year – by 13.9 million metric tons, to around 14.8 million metric tons of CO2e. Most of these emissions resulted from the manufacture of products and components (in particular devices and network technology), and from the use of our products and services (for example, sold or rented fixed-line and mobile phones, routers, and media receivers) by our customers. We also include emissions resulting from the use of our services by our customers’ own devices, such as laptops or televisions. Emissions from the manufacture and transportation of technology required for establishing our networks are also taken into account.
Currently, we are studying various factors that will influence the quantities of our future emissions. Complete-coverage introduction of the Internet Protocol (All-IP 5G, wider network coverage, and higher-quality fixed lines are also expected to result in emissions increases.
), and our suppliers' climate-protection efforts, are having a positive impact. In addition, lower power mix factors, and improved energy efficiency in the devices used in connection with our products and services, can be expected to lower emissions. On the other hand, it is possible that the numbers of (new) devices used in connection with our products and services will increase. The switch to the new mobile communications standard
CO2e emissions (Scope 1-3)
Interactive graphics
- 60,6 %
- 1,4 %
- 0,2 %
- 37,8 %
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Scope 3
9 097 kt CO2e
 Transportation services, purchased products and services, capital goods, production waste, upstream energy and fuel supply chains, business travel, and employee commuting.
Scope 1
219 kt CO2e
 Operating the systems, buildings, and vehicles belonging to Deutsche Telekom.Scope 2
28 kt CO2e
 Generation of district electricity and heating purchased by Deutsche Telekom.Scope 3
5 679 kt CO2e
 Transportation of products sold to customers, use of sold and rented products and disposal and recycling of sold products. -
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Data assured by PwC. For detailed assurance comments see „DT Group in Germany“ and „T-Mobile US“. Includes offsets from purchased certificates.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- GRI 305-3 (Emissions)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD )
- The most important key figures for measuring and managing climate-related opportunities and risks
Total CO2e emissions (Scopes 1 to 3) T-Systems International KPI
In addition to discussing the emissions of the Group as a whole, we provide separate information on Scope 1–3 emissions for T-Systems International. We present our Scope 1–3 greenhouse-gas emissions in a consistent manner, so that they can be compared with each other. To that end, emissions are converted into metric kilotons of CO2 equivalents (CO2e). We also break down emissions along our value chain. This gives us an overview of where most of the emissions are produced in our value chain.
In 2021, market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions for T-Systems amounted to around 11 000 metric tons of CO2e. In the same year, the Scope 3 emissions were 285 000 metric tons of CO2e, thereby accounting for the largest emissions share. Most of these emissions occurred in the upstream value chain, as well in our customers’ use of our products and services. In those emissions, we also include emissions resulting from the use of our services by our customers’ own devices, such as laptops or tablet computers.
CO2e emissions (Scope 1-3)
Interactive graphics
- 67 %
- 3 %
- 1 %
- 29 %
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Scope 3
199 kt CO2e
Transportation services, purchased products and services, capital goods, production waste, upstream energy and fuel supply chains, business travel, and employee commuting of T-Systems.
Scope 1
9 kt CO2e
Operating the systems, buildings, and vehicles belonging to T-Systems.Scope 2
2 kt CO2e
Generation of district electricity and heating purchased by T-Systems.Scope 3
86 kt CO2e
Transportation of products sold to customers, use of sold and rented products and disposal and recycling of sold products of T-Systems. -
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Total CO2e emissions (Scope 1 & 2 emissions) KPI

Our CO2 emissions are largely driven by our electricity consumption. That’s why the table below contains very detailed information about the Group numbers for the Scope 2 emissions resulting from our electricity consumption. We differentiate between the market-based and location-based methods, thereby adhering to the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance. Market- and location-based emissions are reported in CO2 equivalents (CO2e). This change was made in order to allow a transparent comparison between Scope 1 to 3 emissions and to be consistent with the requirements of the Science-Based Targets Initiative, to which the new target is also geared.
The leading reporting method is the market-based approach. This method is used to calculate emissions with a specific emissions factor (provider factor) per DT company. This factor depends on a company’s actual energy procurement (electricity mix); procuring renewable energy (direct purchase, certificates) reduces emissions.a)
In contrast to the market-based method, with the location-based method the emissions factors for the respective country are used (the country mix factor of the International Energy Agency (IEA)). A company’s actual energy procurement (electricity mix) is hence not taken into account, i.e., not even the procurement of renewable energy over and above the country mix.
Change compared to the previous year: The Scope 2 emissions calculated according to the market-based method are about 90 percent lowe than in the previous year. The significant change compared to the previous year results from the Group-wide use of green electricity, PPAs and certificates. Since 2021, we have covered 100 percent of our electricity consumption throughout the Group from renewable sources, thus achieving one of our climate targets.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- GRI 305-1 (Emissions)
- GRI 305-2 (Emissions)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD )
- The most important key figures for measuring and managing climate-related opportunities and risks
- Criterion 11 (Usage of Natural Resources)
- Criterion 12 (Resource Management)
- Criterion 13 (Climate-Relevant Emissions)
- Principle 7 (Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges)
- Principle 8 (Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility)
European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS)
- E02-01 (GHG Emissions)
Total CO2e emissions (Scope 3) DT Group KPI

The majority of our total emissions can be classified as Scope 3 emissions . Scope 3 emissions are all emissions from upstream or downstream value chains that are produced in supply chains, through business travel, through employee commuting (upstream) or through customers’ use of products and services (downstream). They are determined in accordance with the globally accepted Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol.
In order to reduce our Scope 3 emissions, we are placing increasing priority on climate-protection criteria in our supply chains. This commitment is reflected in our CDP Supplier Engagement Rating, which once again has given us a top grade of “A.“ Our ESG KPI “CDP Supply Chain Program” indicates the degree to which our procurement volume from carbon-intensive suppliers is covered by the CDP Supply Chain Program.
The graphic presents our Scope 3 emissions from 2019-2021, broken down by emission source. In 2021, upstream emissions accounted for about 38 percent of our Scope 3 emissions, while downstream emissions accounted for about 62 percent. The basic data used to calculate Scope 3 emissions are reported in the performance-indicator tool. More information about determination of Scope 3 emissions throughout the value chain is available here.

Total CO2e emissions (Scope 3) Deutsche Telekom EU* KPI

The majority of our total emissions can be classified as Scope 3 emissions . Scope 3 emissions are all emissions from the upstream and downstream value chain, which are generated in the supply chain, by business travel, commuter traffic (“upstream”) or at the customer's premises by the use of products and services (“downstream”). Their recording is based on the globally recognized “Greenhouse Gas (GHG)” protocol.
The graph shows Scope 3 emissions from 2019–2021, classified by emission sources. Upstream emissions accounted for around 39 percent of Scope 3 emissions in 2021, while downstream emissions accounted for around 61 percent. The basic data used to calculate Scope 3 emissions are reported in the key figure tool. You will find more information on recording Scope 3 emissions along the value chain here.

* DT Group in Germany + European fixed-line/mobile communications companies
Reporting against standards
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD )
- The most important key figures for measuring and managing climate-related opportunities and risks
- Criterion 11 (Usage of Natural Resources)
- Criterion 12 (Resource Management)
- Criterion 13 (Climate-Relevant Emissions)
- Principle 7 (Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges)
- Principle 8 (Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility)
European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS)
- E02-01 (GHG Emissions)
CO2 offsets KPI
Our efforts to prevent greenhouse gases include relying on renewable energies, and reducing our energy consumption through more energy-efficient technologies. So far, however, this has not allowed us to prevent all CO2 emissions, which is why we compensate for those emissions by investing in certified climate protection projects.
Our Event Policy specifies the ways in which we offset emissions generated by events. In 2021, we offset over 18 000 metric tons of CO2 through various measures. Around 17 000 metric tons of CO2 were compensated for through renewable energy projects. We offset a further 1 300 metric tons of CO2 through carbon removal projects.

We are aiming to reach climate neutrality by the end of 2025. We plan to achieve this goal by investing in measures for long-term capture of CO2 emissions, and we are currently developing a strategy to this end. We are aiming to reach climate neutrality by the end of 2025. We plan to achieve this goal by investing in measures for long-term capture of CO2 emissions, and we are currently developing a strategy to this end.
Since 2016, we have reported on the ESG KPI
“Carbon Intensity.” In contrast to the ESG KPI “CO2 emissions” used in previous years, this ESG KPI shows the CO2e emissions in proportion to the transmitted data volumes. Using data volume as a reference parameter makes it possible to create a direct link to the performance of our networks.
Our ambition: decrease KPI
Data assured by PwC. Data is partly based on estimates, assumptions and projections.
The ESG KPI figure also takes into account total CO2 emissions for all energy sources – fuel, gas, district heating and electricity. The data volume is composed of the transmitted IP
data volumes (including Voice over IP, Internet, IP-TV).
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD
)
German Sustainability Code
Global Compact
European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS)