TPG Telecom leads Australian telcos in net zero commitment

TPG Telecom has become the first telecommunications company in Australia to have its net zero emissions target validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).

The SBTi is a global body that supports businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. In addition to the net zero target, TPG Telecom also had its short-term (2030) and long-term (2050) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets validated. TPG Telecom joins only three other companies in the Oceania region to have all three targets formally validated.

The SBTi classified TPG Telecom’s near-term and long-term scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets in line with the 1.5 degree trajectory, meaning TPG Telecom’s ambitions will contribute to holding global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, required to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

“TPG Telecom set its emissions reduction targets at the end of 2022. Having them validated with the Science Based Targets initiative is an important milestone to support our journey to a net-zero future,” said TPG Telecom Head of Sustainability, Ian Lilley.

“Powering our operations with 100 per cent renewable electricity from 2025 onwards will put us in good stead to achieve our scope 1 & 2 targets, and we have also begun working with our partners and suppliers to achieve our scope 3 targets.

“We have launched a supplier engagement program to collaborate with key suppliers on the setting and achievement of their own emissions reduction targets.”

Long-Term Targets

• Maintain at least 95 per cent absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reductions from 2030 through 2050 and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities, upstream leased assets and use of sold products 90 per cent by 2050.

Net-Zero Target

• Reach net-zero GHG emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.

“These targets are set from our 2021 emissions baseline and can only be achieved through absolute reductions in emissions. That means we won’t achieve them through simply purchasing carbon offsets, but rather through a significant reduction of the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere,” Mr Lilley said.

“TPG Telecom’s science-based targets also align with the Paris Agreement and the Australian Government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“We believe our targets will drive emissions reductions and positive change to encourage more sustainable ways of doing business.”

CT Bureau