We have set ourselves the goal of becoming one of the leading sustainable telecommunications companies. That is why we are pursuing ambitious, science-based climate targets, which have been confirmed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By 2040, we aim for net-zero emissions along our entire value chain. A climate transition plan sets out the path for this and describes the measures we intend to take to achieve this. Our Group-wide climate strategy provides the framework for this.
You can find more detailed information on climate protection in our Sustainability Statement 2024.
Our climate targets
2021: We achieved our goal of sourcing 100 % electricity from renewable sources across the Group (Scope 2, market-based method).
By the end of 2025: We will become climate-neutral in terms of our own emissions (Scopes 1 and 2). To this end, we are reducing emissions from our own operations worldwide by at least 90 % and ideally up to 95 % (compared to 2017). We want to offset the remaining emissions of our CO2e footprint through high-quality neutralization measures. These activities bind CO2e from the atmosphere, e.g. through reforestation.
By 2030: By the end of the decade, we aim to reduce CO2e emissions across Scopes 1–3 by 55 % in absolute terms compared to 2020. To achieve this, we are in close dialogue with our suppliers. The aim is to reduce emissions in production and the manufactured products consume less energy in the use phase. This is our interim goal on the way to climate neutrality (net zero) along the entire value chain.
“Net zero” by 2040: In around 15 years, we aim to achieve net-zero emissions along the entire value chain – across all three scopes. To achieve this, it is necessary to reduce emissions by at least 90 % compared to 2020. Only up to 10 % may be neutralized via high-quality CO2e sequestration projects.
Climate transition plan – our path to net zero
Our climate transition plan helps us to steer the measures with which we want to achieve our SBTi-validated climate targets by 2030 and 2040 respectively. The basis for this is the calculations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in recent years as well as our short-, medium- and long-term climate targets. The climate transition plan was confirmed at the highest level – by the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Telekom AG. The chart below illustrates our milestones and levers.
You can find more information about the climate transition plan, climate protection measures and efforts to reduce emissions in our
Sustainability Statement in theClimate transition plan for net zero emissions a
b The figures for 2020 were adjusted retrospectively in the reporting year due to adjustments to methods and structures applied. Since 2023, CO2 emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) have also included fugitive emissions from refrigerants and fire suppressants.
The climate transition plan sets out important next steps to continuously reduce our emissions across the entire value chain. On this basis, we can derive necessary measures. This also includes the planning of any investments and budgets that may be required, and we also include target values in other technical and financial planning parameters of the company. The consistent implementation of the necessary measures in the coming years is a common challenge that we must face with all departments involved and in close cooperation with our suppliers.
Looking ahead
We are approaching the deadline for our next climate target: by the end of 2025, we want to become climate-neutral in our own emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) and reduce our GHG emissions worldwide by at least 90 % compared to 2017, but ideally up to 95 %. We want to offset the remaining emissions of our CO2e footprint through high-quality carbon offsets. By the end of 2024, we had already reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 94 % and thus met our target requirement ahead of schedule. This is mainly due to the global purchase of electricity from renewable energies, significantly improved energy efficiency in our grids, and measures in the building and mobility sectors.
Since 2024, we have also been recording so-called fugitive emissions, e.g. from coolant losses and fire retardant gases, which we had not yet taken into account in 2017 and which lead to an increase in our balance sheet. According to the current state of the projection, we will clearly achieve our target of at least 90 %, even if fugitive emissions are included.
We will provide information on the final status of target achievement as well as on the scope and nature of our neutralization projects as part of our ESG reporting 2025.
Scope 1 and 2 emissions
in kt CO2e
b The values also include so-called ‘fugitive emissions’ from refrigerants and fire suppressants. The figure for 2023 was adjusted retrospectively in the reporting year due to adjustments to methods and structures applied. Excluding these fugitive emissions, CO2 emissions in 2024 would have amounted to 206 kt CO2e in 2024 (2023: 217 kt CO2e).
c Retrospective adjustment of values including fugitive emissions only relevant for the base year 2017, not for the years 2021 and 2022. The ruled bars illustrate the proportion of fugitive emissions in these years.
Deep Dive for experts
Relevant standards
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- GRI 305 3-3 (Emissions)
- GRI 305-1 (Emissions)
- GRI 305-2 (Emissions)
- GRI 305-5 (Emissions)
Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Our Scope 1 emissions are mainly caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as fleet fuels, natural gas, and district heating and cooling. In the table below, we go into detail about our Group-wide Scope 2 emissions from our electricity consumption. We differentiate according to the methods “market-based” and “location-based” and thus follow the “GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance”. Emissions are reported in CO2 equivalents (CO2e).
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2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
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Scope 1 and Scope 2 (“market-based”)a |
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Total in million |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
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t CO2e emissions Scope 1 |
236,355 |
239,602 |
212,044 |
218,971 |
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t CO2e emissions Scope 2 (“market-based”)b |
16,212 |
17,957 |
21,019 |
27,290 |
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t CO2e emission reduction through additional purchase of electricity from renewable energies |
3,921,533 |
3,961,608 |
4,211,894 |
4,607,367 |
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2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
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Scope 2 (“location-based”) |
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t CO2e emissions (Scope 2, “location-based”) |
4,002,218 |
3,979,565 |
4,232,913 |
4,634,657 |
CO2 certificates
To avoid greenhouse gas emissions, we rely on renewable energies, among other things, and reduce our energy consumption, e.g. through more energy-efficient technologies. However, we cannot avoid all GHG emissions in this way. That is why we offset some emissions – including from events in Germany – by investing in certified climate protection projects. The process for offsetting emissions at events is set out in our Event Policy.
The total amount of CO2 allowances outside our value chain that were verified according to recognized quality standards and cancelled in the reporting period is 35,167 metric tons of CO2e. Further information on CO2 certificates can also be found in our Sustainability Statement.
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In t CO2e |
2024 |
2023 |
|---|---|---|
Removal projects |
2,167 |
2,400 |
Reduction projects |
33,000 |
15,000 |
Total |
35,167 |
17,400 |
In order to achieve our goal of climate neutrality in our own emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by the end of 2025, we are investing in measures to bind CO2e emissions. We only consider projects that have a long-term or long-term commitment character and meet at least the quality standards of Oxford categories IV and V. For this purpose, we have carried out a detailed market analysis. We rely on a combination of ‘nature-based removals’ (nature-based solutions such as reforestation) and ‘tech-based removals’ (technological approaches to carbon removal, such as biochar). Our goal is to gradually increase the technology-oriented share as the market evolves and new, innovative solutions emerge.
Alignment with TCFD recommendations
In 2015, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) was established at the Paris Climate Change Conference. Its goal is to develop voluntary and uniform climate-related financial disclosures. In 2017, the TCFD published concrete recommendations for implementation. Companies can use these as a guide to inform investors, lenders, insurers and other stakeholders about the risks of climate change for their business model. In parallel with the recommendations in the area of climate, the final standard of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) was published in 2023. This deals with nature-related opportunities and risks. Details on Deutsche Telekom’s commitment to biodiversity can be found here in the CR report under Operational resource protection.
We welcome the goals behind the TCFD and are steadily advancing our TCFD-compliant reporting. The physical risks posed by climate change include extreme weather conditions, which are already becoming increasingly evident today. Transitory risks such as the development of the CO2 price are also increasingly determining the political discourse. This has a direct impact on our work and our stakeholders. The risks to the continuation of our operations are analyzed by our risk management and operationally managed in the business units. In addition, we are internally evaluating how reporting on climate-related financial risks and opportunities can be aligned with the TCFD’s recommendations. This is to be done on the basis of the existing approaches to strategy, controlling and risk management.
Governance
Disclosures
Input
a) Describe the board’s oversight of climate-related opportunities and risks
- Since sustainability and climate change are important topics for Deutsche Telekom, they are managed from the top of the Group: together with the rest of the Board of Management of Deutsche Telekom, our CEO is responsible for climate-related issues for the entire Group. This includes, among other things, our climate strategy, the climate targets and climate-related opportunities and risks.
- The Board of Management of Deutsche Telekom is informed annually about the current status of climate target achievement and company-relevant climate issues. In addition, the climate protection KPI “Energy Intensity” is part of the quarterly reporting to the Executive Board member. Since January 1, 2022, the CEO has been the responsible member of the Executive Board.
- Deutsche Telekom’s Risk Management department also reports quarterly to the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board on ESG risks and opportunities. If unforeseen risks occur outside of regular reporting, they are reported on an ad hoc basis and reported to the Management Board and Supervisory Board. The main risks for the Deutsche Telekom Group are reported in our Annual Report.
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b) Describe the role of management in assessing and managing climate-related opportunities and risks.
- The Group Corporate Responsibility (GCR) department is responsible for managing CR and climate-related issues, supported by Group-wide risk management. This also includes the assessment of climate-related opportunities and risks. The Group’s business units and segments are responsible for implementing the climate strategy.
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Strategy
Disclosures
Input
a) Describe the climate-related opportunities and risks that the organization has identified in the short, medium, and long term.
- A key climate-related risk is the possible failure of the grid infrastructure due to damaged secondary infrastructure (e.g. power outages) or failed cooling systems. Another risk is the possible damage or failure of the grid due to damage to the grid infrastructure itself, which can occur due to extreme weather events or changes in climatic conditions. These risks can cause short-, medium- and long-term damage and also increase insurance premiums. Climate-related physical hazards are expected to increase in the future.
- Financial risks can arise from rising emissions and the associated rising costs for CO2 compensation, from increased energy consumption or from reputational damage in the event of target misses in the upstream value chain as well as in internal processes.
- The increasing demands of stakeholders, especially investors, NGOs and customers, can offer a strategic opportunity for more environmentally sustainable action. The increasing expectations and demands of these groups are driving us to make our business strategies and ‑practices more sustainable. It also serves as a motivation to develop innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, which creates financial opportunities. Competitive advantages can also be achieved by positioning itself as a responsible and future-oriented company.
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b) Describe the impact of climate-related opportunities and risks on the organization’s operations, strategy, and financial planning.
- Deutsche Telekom’s business activities are highly resilient to climate change. Nevertheless, climate-related opportunities and risks have impacted our business activities in many ways: energy efficiency is of great importance to Deutsche Telekom, as energy consumption in the network has a strong impact on operating costs, but also due to the strategic approach to climate protection and the increasing concerns and expectations of our stakeholders. In Germany and Europe, we have set ourselves the goal of keeping our energy consumption stable until 2027 by further increasing our energy efficiency – despite grid expansion and increasing data volumes. The reduction of energy consumption and Scope 1 and 2 emissions was declared to be a 50 % weighting in each case.
- Several programs have been launched to improve energy efficiency at our sites and operations. We examined our value chain for opportunities for greater resource efficiency and CO2 reduction. In addition, we have identified key areas of action for future measures that should lead to a more sustainable company in general, such as labelling particularly sustainable products.
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c) Describe the resilience of the organization’s strategy, taking into account various climate-related scenarios, including a scenario of 2°C or lower.
- In 2023, we analyzed selected Deutsche Telekom sites in Germany, Hungary, Greece and Croatia with regard to their physical climate risks. The analysis included all data centers as well as critical infrastructure in the fixed network and a sample in the mobile network. In 2024, we expanded this analysis to Austria, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and the United States. The analysis thus includes our German and international units, which together accounted for 97 % of our sales in 2023. In this context, locations from the mobile, fixed-network and data center sectors were included, the functionality of which has a significant impact on our business activities: in total, we analyzed more than 8 thousand locations using the “Climate Change Edition” of Munich Re’s “Location Risk Intelligence” software, which is based on the climate scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The analysis included nine climate indices. We looked at the risk hazard for the respective sites in two climate scenarios of the IPCC: a business-as-usual scenario (RCP 4.5/SSP2-4.5), in which the global temperature increase will be above two degrees, and a four-degree scenario (RCP 8.5/SSP5-8.5). For transitory climate risks, we use the “Net Zero Emissions 2050 Scenario” (NZE), which takes into account a limitation of global warming by 1.5°C by 2050. In addition to the climate scenarios, we also examined the risk hazard in different periods: in the reporting year for the years 2030, 2040 and 2050.
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Risk management
Disclosures
Input
a) Describe the organization’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks.
- When assessing climate risks, we assessed the probability of occurrence and the extent of the risk. We assessed both the physical climate risks and the transitory hazards, taking into account the geographical coordinates of key Deutsche Telekom sites. For the transitory risk assessment, we also analyzed the upstream and downstream value chain. Due to a prioritization of our own business activities, our upstream and downstream supply chain were not included in the physical climate risk analysis for the time being.
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b) Describe the organization’s processes for dealing with climate-related risks.
- Based on expert knowledge, risks and opportunities are assessed according to their financial impact (on an EBITDA-AL basis) and the probability of their occurrence. If it is not possible to quantify risks and opportunities, qualitative reporting is also possible. Once the risks and opportunities have been identified, they are analysed and assessed in more detail with regard to their probability of occurrence and their potential financial impact, for example with the help of a scenario analysis. We then decide which specific measures need to be taken, for example to reduce risks or seize opportunities. The respective risk owner then implements, monitors and evaluates the measures. If necessary, the steps are repeated and adapted to the latest developments and decisions.
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c) Describe how the processes for identifying, assessing and managing climate-related risks are integrated into the organisation’s risk management.
- Our processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks are fully integrated with company-wide multidisciplinary risk identification-, -assessment and management processes. Risks and opportunities (EBITDA impact of more than EUR 100 million) are identified quarterly through a Group-wide risk management process (RMP), which is designed and managed by the Group Risk Governance department. The RMP provides methods and systems for identifying and assessing risks and opportunities. Responsibility for reporting on Group risks and opportunities is distributed among the respective business units, so GCR is responsible for climate risks. Further information on the risk process can be found in our Annual Report.
In addition, the risk department works closely with GCR to identify material climate-related opportunities and risks.
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Key figures and objectives
Disclosures
Input
a) Disclosure of the metrics used by the organization to assess climate-related opportunities and risks in accordance with its strategy and risk management process.
- The key metrics for measuring and managing climate-related opportunities and risks are:
- Scope 1 to Scope 3 emissions
- Share of renewable energies
- Energy consumption
- ESG KPI “Energy Intensity”
- Enablement factor
- Waste generation (incl. e-waste)
- Waste Management & Recycling
- Water consumption
- Land
- In addition, we calculate the proportion of our sales related to sustainability and continuously analyze the sustainability benefits of our products.
- Historical key figures of Deutsche Telekom and the national companies are published in the key figures tool of the CR report.
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b) Disclosure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and, if applicable, Scope 3) and associated risks
- Deutsche Telekom discloses Scope 1–3 emissions annually in its annual report.
- We calculate both Scope 1 and 2 emissions as well as Scope 3 emissions on the basis of the GHG Protocol.
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c) Describe the goals used by the organization to manage climate-related opportunities and risks and performance against the goals.
- The two non-financial performance indicators “energy consumption” and “CO2 emissions” (Scope 1 and 2) have been part of the variable compensation of the Board of Management since 2021 and have also been relevant for our international managers (outside T‑Mobile US) and all non-tariff employees of the Group in Germany since 2022. The achievement of responsibilities-related targets for selected relevant functions are part of the performance-based remuneration, as are targets based on the ESG KPI “Sustainable Investment (SRI)” and the target “Listing of the T-share in the sustainable indices/ratings”, which reflect the topics of climate change and the CR KPI “Energy Intensity” directly related to them.
- Deutsche Telekom AG’s climate targets are published in the CR report and the Annual Report.
- Our energy efficiency targets are disclosed here in the CR report.
- We also publish targets for sustainable procurement here in the CR report.
Scope 1 includes all emissions directly generated in the Company, e.g., as a result of the consumption of fuel or fuel oil.
Scope 2 covers all indirect emissions associated with the generation of energy purchased by the Company from external sources, e.g., electricity and district heating.
Scope 3 applies to all other emissions generated along the corporate value chain. This comprises both indirect emissions in the company itself (e.g., business trips, commuting), and emissions from upstream value chain stages (e.g., procurement, logistics) and downstream stages (e.g., during customer use of products and services, during disposal).