Management & facts

Since 2016, we have reported on the Carbon Intensity ESG KPI  . In contrast to the existing CO₂ Emissions ESG KPI, the new 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. For detailed assurance comments see „DT Group in Germany“.

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).

Since 2016, we have reported on the Carbon Intensity ESG KPI  . In contrast to the existing CO₂ Emissions ESG KPI, the new 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 calculation method was adjusted in 2017. Values cannot be directly compared to the previous year.

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).

Since the 2016 CR Report, Deutsche Telekom has provided a general overview of all its CO₂ emissions (Scope 1-3). To ensure comparability with the Scope 3 emissions  presented in CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e), Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions  were converted into kilotons of CO₂e. Emissions are presented along Deutsche Telekom’s supply chain. This allows for an overview of where most of the emissions are produced.

In 2019, market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions totaled approx. 1.8 million metric tons of CO₂e across the Group, marking a reduction of more than 20 percent compared to the previous year.

Scope 3 emissions were reduced by 11 percent to some 12.8 million metric tons of CO₂e in 2019. The majority of emissions can be attributed to the procurement (in particular of devices and network technology) and use of our products and services (for sold or rented) fixed-line and cell phones, routers, and media receivers, and for products such as laptops or television sets that our customers use so they can make the most of our services. Of equal importance are the emissions resulting from the manufacture and transportation of technology for establishing our networks.

The decline in CO₂ emissions is primarily down to the conversion to green energy. We are now analyzing whether a reduction in energy consumption through all-IP  will be offset by increases resulting from 5G, expanded network coverage, and higher quality fixed lines.

  Data assured by PwC. For detailed assurance comments see „DT Group in Germany“ and „T-Mobile USA“.

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 20 percent lower than in the previous year. The main reason for this is the direct purchase of renewable energy at T-Mobile US and the increased purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECS , GoO) at our national companies in Germany.

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 2017-2019, classified by emission sources. Upstream  emissions accounted for around 46% of Scope 3 emissions in 2019, while downstream emissions accounted for around 54%. 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.

Preventing greenhouse gas emissions is one of our top priorities. CO₂ emissions that we are unable to prevent or reduce can be compensated by investing in certified climate protection projects in addition to devoting greater efforts to using renewable energy sources.

Telekom Deutschland compensated for just under 6,271 metric tons of CO₂ in the 2019 reporting year. 
These included emissions associated with our events (participants’ travel to and from the event, room usage, etc.) and certain products and services (e.g., conference calls or web conferences). Our Event Policy specifies the ways in which we compensate for emissions generated by events.