Telefonica expects to save €90m through new energy efficiency measures

Telefonica are aiming to source 50% of electricity in its operations from clean sources by 2020 and 100% by 2030. These objectives have been aligned with Telefonica’s commitment to limit the rise of temperature to 2C as part of the Paris Agreement targets.

The company is also looking to cut its energy consumption per traffic unit by half and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 5% across its operations in the next four years.

Telefonica’s president José María Álvarez-Pallete said: “These objectives respond perfectly to Telefónica’s growth strategy and network deployment: to do more with less and have the most efficient and clean Network in the sector in terms of energy and carbon. Moreover, we want this because it is good for our profit results, for our clients, their families, and for future generations.

“We are aware of our responsibility to reduce our own carbon footprint as well as the role that we can play with Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data solutions to improve the management of transport, energy, water, waste etc. in other sectors. In the last few years we have advanced on both fronts and now we are taking another step, with new targets for 2020.”

To help bolster these commitments, Telefonica will be supported by a Global Energy Management Policy to help enhance its Energy Efficiency Programme to address emissions in its networks and offices.

Through these actions, the multinational company hopes to maintain its leading role in indexes such as CDP disclosures and continue to promote transparency and sustainability performance of its climate actions.

e-Sustainability

This announcement coincides with Telefonica joining the newly established “SMARTer2030 Action Coalition”, a group presented at COP22 by the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) in Marrakesh. The coalition will help Telefonica in its commitment to Paris Agreement targets by reducing emissions through focusing on building and transport emissions.

GeSI has previously urged countries to accelerate the uptake of digital technology, claiming that smart solutions and the IoT would be “indispensable” to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There have been movements from several companies to reduce emissions through utilising IoT. For example, Mobile operator Vodafone has formed a partnership with Philips Lighting which combines an IoT network with an integrated LED street light management system, which could see cities across the world slash energy use by 70%.

Alex Baldwin