Singtel ranked Asia’s most sustainable telecom provider

Singtel has been ranked Asia’s most sustainable telecom provider on the 2024 Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World index, in recognition of its investments in sustainable infrastructure such as green data centres and new carbon neutral headquarters, as well as efforts to foster inclusivity and diversity. Singtel, which is also the world’s third most sustainable telecom provider, ranked 62nd out of 6,700 global companies with revenue exceeding US$1 billion assessed.

“We are very encouraged to top sustainability in Asia in the telco sector. We embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations, a reflection of our determination to creating a better future for every generation.” Aileen Tan, Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Singtel Group

Ms Aileen Tan, Singtel Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer, said, “We are very encouraged to top sustainability in Asia in the telco sector. We embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations, a reflection of our determination to creating a better future for every generation. A key pillar of our comprehensive sustainability strategy is safeguarding our environment, exemplified by our revised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-approved targets which will significantly reduce our carbon emissions. In addition to environmental stewardship, we focus on fostering an inclusive workplace, contributing to the community, and creating sustainable value for our customers. Our pole position in Corporate Knights’ rankings is validation of our efforts as we continue our relentless pursuit of a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable future.”

Mr Toby Heaps, Corporate Knights Chief Executive Officer, said, “Singtel is setting the global standard for sustainability in the telco sector. Companies on the Global 100 index represent the gold standard for sustainability performance, with Singtel excelling in the area of sustainable investments, the diversity of its leadership, and fair compensation practices.”

Comprehensive sustainability strategy
Singtel, has set a net-zero target of 2045, the only Asia’s first telecoms company to have a net-zero target ahead of 2050. It has recently set new SBTi-approved targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions group-wide by 55%, and Scope 3 third-party emissions by 40% reduction by 2030, using 2023 as the base year.

To achieve these targets, Singtel prioritises reducing energy consumption, enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy. Its state of the art green data centres, such as its upcoming DC Tuas data centre, will be constructed using lower carbon embedded materials and use liquid cooling technology to achieve high levels of energy efficiency in its operations. Besides DC Tuas, Singtel’s data centre projects in Thailand and Indonesia will also incorporate the use of renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint.

Another important green effort is Singtel’s move to redevelop its headquarters into a carbon-neutral facility that will be operated using 100% fossil fuel-free energy, through a combination of onsite solar generation and offsite renewable sources. Singtel has also invested in optimising its network energy usage, facilitating e-waste recycling, maximising the deployment of solar panels at its facilities and transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles

Beyond its environmental efforts, Singtel is focused on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where our people can thrive. Women make up 31% of management roles at Singtel, and it sets an industry-leading example with women making up 40% of the Group’s Board of Directors and 44% of the Management Committee. Singtel’s inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year in 2023 underscores the effectiveness and recognition of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

CT Bureau