Tele2 releases its sustainability report for 2022

During 2022, Tele2 received recognition for its leadership and transparency in climate change initiatives. This includes being the first company based in Sweden and only the second company globally to have its net zero emissions targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

In addition, CDP, the global not-for-profit that runs the global disclosure system for managing environmental impacts, gave Tele2 an ‘A’ rating for its leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change. This rating places Tele2 amongst the top 2% out of nearly 15,000 companies evaluated globally.

– Tele2 is now at the forefront of sustainability in our industry. We view our sustainability strategy as a strategic enabler to becoming the leading telco in the Nordic and Baltic region and sustainability will become a part of all facets of Tele2’s business. Our investments in sustainability are delivering returns and maximizing the creation of shared value for our customers, investors, employees, and other stakeholders, says Johan Gustafsson, EVP Communications & Sustainability, Tele2.

Highlights from the 2022 Sustainability Report

• First company based in Sweden and only the second telco globally to have its net-zero emissions target for 2035 approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative.
• Achieved an ‘A’ rating from CDP for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change. Tele2 was one of only 2% of nearly 15,000 companies globally to achieve an ‘A’ rating.
• Launched a green and sustainability-linked financing framework and issued first sustainability-linked bond. Tele2 also signed a sustainability-linked credit facility.
• First telco in the Nordics and Baltics to adopt a circular economy target for network equipment in its own operations.
• Renewed partnership with Reach for Change as well as continued partnerships with ECPAT and Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia’s Foundation in order to ensure progress in our focus area “Protect children in a connected society”.
• Products and services provided by Tele2 are estimated to have helped avoid the emission of more than 120,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022.

2022 saw a number of achievements and firsts across the four focus areas of Tele2’s sustainability strategy:

Advance circular economy to combat climate change

In addition to the approval of net zero emissions targets by the Science Based Targets initiative and CDP’s ‘A’ rating, in March 2022 Tele2 became the first telco in Sweden to publicly commit to 100 % circularity for network equipment by 2025. During the year Tele2 launched a climate strategy that extends to 2035 which will map out required actions for continued rapid emissions reductions and achieving net-zero emissions. In May, Tele2 published its Green and Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework and issued its first sustainability linked bond and in December signed its first sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.

Boost innovation for sustainability

Tele2 continued its long-standing partnership with Civil Rights Defenders’ ‘Natalia Project’ to provide critical connectivity infrastructure and technical support in the project’s global security system. Tele2 also led the final stage of the European AI4Green research project with the aim of identifying and testing applications of AI technology to increase the energy efficiency of mobile networks.

Maximize potential through an inclusive and diverse workplace

In March, Tele2’s Diversity & Inclusion Council arranged a gender equality month and conducted research on creating inclusive teams to raise awareness on gender balance and challenges in the telco industry and Tele2. Tele2 also collaborated with other telcos to arrange a global Pride event to increase awareness of diversity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ employees.

Protect children in a connected society

In 2022, Tele2 blocked over 214,000 attempts per month on average to access web pages that have been classified as containing child sexual abuse material – an increase of 109% compared to 2021. During the year we extended our partnership with Reach for Change for an additional 3 years to help support social entrepreneurs. As part of fighting online child exploitation material, Tele2 deepened its partnership with industry group ECPAT and provides ECPAT with connectivity solutions. Tele2 also started monitoring the usage and effectiveness of materials developed to inform and guide parents about children’s online activities as part of our partnership with the Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia’s Foundation.