Release of 25.11.2024
“A1 Group has achieved a significant milestone in its climate action commitment: the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially validated our ambitious Net Zero targets. This confirmation strengthens our path towards a more sustainable future and establishes us as a pioneer in the telecommunications industry on the journey to climate neutrality”, says Thomas Arnoldner, Deputy CEO of A1 Group.
As a European company with a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and society, A1 Group is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions across all areas of the company and along the entire value chain by 2040. Arnoldner: “This means we are actively working on reducing not only our direct emissions, resulting from the operations of our facilities and offices, but also the indirect emissions generated through our supply chain and the use of our products.”
Significant Progress Through Targeted Measures
The commitment of the company to climate protection is already visible: since the year of 2019, A1 Group has achieved a remarkable 54% reduction in direct emissions. These emissions stem primarily from energy consumption in offices, data centers, and telecommunications networks, as well as from the use of vehicles for field operations. To make this reduction possible, A1 Group has invested in the efficiency of its systems, implemented energy-saving technologies, and optimized energy consumption at its locations. Arnoldner: “A crucial step has been our shift to renewable energy. The majority of our energy needs are now met by green electricity, which has significantly lowered our CO₂ emissions.”
In addition, A1 Group has begun transitioning the company vehicles, with the goal of gradually converting the fleet to low-emission or fully electric vehicles. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also allows A1 Group to set an example for sustainable mobility.
The company has also made significant progress in reducing indirect emissions generated through the procurement of goods and services, the use of capital goods, and the use of products by customers. Here, A1 Group hast already achieved a reduction of 14%. “A key element of our climate strategy is close collaboration with our suppliers. Together, we are working to optimize our partners’ processes and to use more sustainable materials and resources. In this way, we also support other companies in reducing their environmental footprint”, says Arnoldner.
The Climate Transition Plan as a Roadmap for the Future
To ensure we meet the goals, A1 Group has developed a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan. This plan shows in detail how to achieve NetZero by 2040. It includes measures for continuous energy reduction, the promotion of sustainable mobility solutions, and the strengthening of environmental awareness across all areas of the company.
External Recognition for Our Climate Action
A1 Group’s achievements have also been recognized by other independent institutions: Sustainalytics ranks A1 Group as one of the 10 most sustainable telecommunications companies in the world. For the second year in a row, the company has been awarded the highest rating of “A” by CDP. Additionally, A1 Group has been awarded Gold status by Ecovadis.
Arnoldner: “The validation of our climate goals by SBTi and the positive feedback from external rating agencies confirm that A1 Group is pursuing a clear and effective climate strategy. With a clear objective to be climate neutral by 2040, A1 Group will continue to implement innovative measures in the coming years and consistently uphold its responsibility to the environment and society.”