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). In addition to CO₂, we also consider CH₄ and N₂O, and are working on integrating HFCs (refrigerants) into the calculation as well. Biogenic CO₂ emissions were not recorded separately for the year 2022, as they only occur to a small extent. 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 2022, market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions  throughout the Group amounted to around 233 000 metric tons of CO₂e, or about 5.4 percent lower than in the previous year. 

In 2022, Scope 3 emissions  decreased in comparison with the previous year – from 14.8 million metric tons, to around 12.3 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.

The main reason for the reduction in emissions is that, in accordance with the guidelines of the Science Based Targets initiative, the 2.6 million metric tons of indirect emissions resulting from the use of our services were removed from the calculation. These emissions come from the electricity consumed by terminal devices that customers have purchased from other providers, for example, smartphone manufacturers or other retailers. On the other hand, emissions caused by visits to Telekom Shops by our customers have been included for the first time for Germany and Europe. Emissions are still around 14.8 million metric tons, a figure comparable to the previous year, but emissions intensity, which is the level of emissions produced per euro of turnover, was reduced by around 6 percent with respect to the previous year due to the increase in turnover.

Currently, we are studying various factors that will influence the quantities of our future emissions (Scopes 1–3). For example, fewer emissions from our employees commuting to and from work, 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 higher numbers of (new) devices used in connection with our products and services will increase emissions. The switch to the new mobile communications standard 5G, wider network coverage, and higher-quality fixed lines are also expected to result in emissions increases.

  Data assured by Deloitte. For detailed assurance comments see „DT Group in Germany“ and „T-Mobile US“. Includes offsets from purchased certificates.