Deutsche Telekom has announced that it has achieved climate neutrality in its own operations, becoming the first company in Germany’s DAX 40 index to reach this milestone. The achievement covers both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which include emissions directly caused by the company and those resulting from purchased electricity.
The company reports a reduction of more than 94 percent in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2017 levels. This amounts to approximately 28 million tons of CO₂ saved since then. The remaining emissions, accounting for just under six percent, are offset through high-quality CO₂ sequestration projects.
Deutsche Telekom attributes its progress to several initiatives. These include signing long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for green electricity, investing in large-scale battery storage, and making significant investments in energy efficiency such as intelligent grid control and modern technology upgrades. The ongoing transition of the company’s vehicle fleet to electric mobility and modernization of office buildings have also contributed to lower costs and reduced emissions.
According to the company, since introducing ambitious climate targets, both its stock market value and brand value have increased. Deutsche Telekom emphasizes that climate protection efforts can align with economic success.
“Many talk about climate protection, we have done it,” said Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom. “We have stayed the course and consistently pursued our climate targets. At Telekom, you don’t just surf in the best network, but also in the most climate-friendly one. At the same time, climate protection is an important economic factor for us. We are more independent, efficient, and thus more successful today. Our commitment pays off for the environment and people as well as for our company.”
In 2019, Deutsche Telekom committed to reducing its operational emissions by 90 to 95 percent compared to 2017 by 2025, following standards set by the Science Based Targets initiative at that time. Achieving a reduction of over 94 percent nearly meets its highest target range.
For neutralizing residual emissions, the company relies on CO₂ sequestration projects that meet recognized scientific standards developed by the University of Oxford.
Science-based targets and precise data collection underpin Deutsche Telekom’s approach. Emission figures are validated by independent auditors and form part of management compensation systems.
Looking ahead, Deutsche Telekom aims to reduce total emissions across all three Scopes—including those related to product manufacturing and use—by 55 percent by 2030. By 2040, it intends for its entire value chain to be climate neutral (net-zero). “Digitization can only succeed on a large scale if we also design it ecologically and socially. We set our targets based on the planet’s requirements and then work with our partners to achieve them,” said Robert Metzke, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Telekom.
The company plans further focus on circular economy principles using a newly developed Telco Circularity Score (TCS) to measure progress in areas like waste avoidance and recycling.
Sustainability remains central for Deutsche Telekom as it continues efforts beyond operational neutrality toward broader environmental goals.
