VANCOUVER — Telus announced this week it has set new “science-based greenhouse gas” (GHG) emissions reduction targets, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), saying it’s the first national telecom in Canada to do so.
Telus says the company has committed to:
- reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46% by 2030 starting from 2019 (this includes biogenic emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks);
- reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel and employee commuting by 46% from 2019 to 2030; and
- reducing scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods and use of sold products 75% per million dollars of revenue within the same timeframe.
The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund). The initiative defines and promotes best practice in science-based emission reduction target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets.
In April, Telus released its 2020 Sustainability Report which outlines the company’s environmental, social and governance strategy and priorities, which includes the goal to achieve net carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030.
“From our commitment to reducing GHG emissions, to operational carbon neutrality by 2030, and implementing the most expansive remote work program in Canada, sustainable solutions are at the core of every decision we make at Telus,” said Doug French, chief financial officer of Telus, in a press release.
“In 2020, Telus exceeded its climate change objectives, achieving a 17% reduction in energy consumption and a 37% decrease in GHG emissions over 2010 levels. As the global pandemic gripped the world last year, Telus enabled more than 95% of team members to work from home or in a mobile capacity saving time, resources, and GHG emissions resulting from reduced travel and commuting. In addition, Telus has successfully negotiated four Power Purchase Agreements that will provide 100% of Telus’ electricity needs in Alberta from renewable sources such as wind and solar,” says the press release.
For more, please click here.
