Operational Efficiency
Telenor aims to increase energy efficiency in its operations by focusing on decreased energy consumption.
To achieve an internal CO2 intensity reduction of 40 percent by 2017, Telenor will continue to improve energy efficiency in its networks, buildings and IS/IT system. The consumption of energy related to network represents more than 80 percent of Telenor’s total energy consumption. Therefore, Telenor focuses on purchasing new, energy efficient equipment and implementing Group-wide power-saving programs to meet its target of reducing the CO2 intensity.
Energy expenses make up a significant portion of the operational costs. By focusing on energy efficient solutions, Telenor can make a positive impact on the environment and deliver on its general business strategy to strengthen operational performance.
In addition to the energy efficiency measures, Telenor supports the deployment of new network equipment powered by renewable energy sources. Telenor Group has already installed more than 100 base stations (BTSs) that run on solar, wind or hybrid energy sources.
Energy efficiency initatives in 2010
- Telenor Norway and the Nordic Mobile network upgrade started in 2010 and will result in 30 to 40 percent more efficient network operations in the coming years.
- Telenor Group has joined GSMA’s Green Power for mobile initiative to promote the use of green power in mobile networks.
- Currently, Telenor Group has approximately more than 100 renewable base stations in operation and the company plans to install an additional 80 by the end of 2010.
- During 2010, several Business Units have launched various power savings projects, contributing to 50 Gwh reduction in power consumption.
li>In 2010, a Telenor Group launched an internal “Site Energy Toolbox” to guide the Business Units on the implementation of power efficiency and on-site renewable energy solutions for base stations.
Travel and transportation contributes to approximately seven percent of Telenor Group’s total emissions. Therefore, Telenor strives to provide and promote ICT solutions that enable virtual collaboration and reduce the need for unnecessary employee travel. Telenor Group has a strong focus on achieving CO2 emission reductions through improvements in fuel economy, optimal logistics and car travel, and extensive use of virtual-work solutions.
As a result of Group-wide efforts, Telenor’s travel-related CO2 emissions decreased nine percent from 2008 to 2009. This reduction is mainly due to significant cuts in employee travel and replacement of air travel with virtual work solutions.
Telenor Group strongly believes that additional CO2 emission reductions can be achieved through the use of video conferences, Live Meetings, instant messaging and phone conferences instead of physical travel.
Telenor’s collaboration platform
In 2009, Telenor Group launched a “Unified Communication” and collaboration platform. It consists of portal-based, user-generated content; PC-based multi-party chat: audio and video conferencing: Virtual Meeting capability; internal “Facebook”; and collaborative work spaces. The concept is called “Way of Work” and it has been implemented for all Telenor employees.
Telenor Group’s climate strategy also focuses on the environmental and climate impact of our purchases. By implementing key principles of sustainable procurement through the Group, Telenor urges its business units to adhere to sourcing and procurement practices that secure the purchase of energy efficient equipment.
As the purchase of new energy efficient equipment is a one of the main instruments for reaching Telenor’s CO2 emissions targets, it is crucial to establish Group-wide governance to implement sustainable procurement practices in the company.
In 2010, a Group-wide sustainable procurement framework was established to ensure the implementation of sustainability principles. This framework consists of guidelines, international standards, and a set of procurement cases to help the local operations apply these standards in their daily work.
Telenor Group combines its internal sustainable procurement principles with the active use of international energy efficiency standards when implementing the sustainability principles across the Business Units. In 2010, Telenor Group signed the European Code of Conduct for energy consumption in broadband equipment.
What is sustainable procurement?
- Selecting products and services that will minimize Telenor`s environmental impact.
- Evaluating purchases based on certain criteria, ranging from energy efficiency to options available for final disposal.
- Improving environmental performance and helping to achieve CO2 intensity targets.
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