Tele2 has reinforced its sustainability leadership in 2025, reporting significant progress in renewable energy adoption, emissions reduction, and circular economy initiatives. The company’s total energy consumption reached 314,249 MWh, rising from 296,744 MWh in 2024, driven largely by ongoing 5G network expansion. Despite higher energy use, Tele2 achieved a near-complete transition to clean energy, with 99 percent of total energy consumption coming from renewable sources, while fossil energy dropped sharply to just 2 percent from 45 percent in 2019. Notably, electricity consumption is now 100 percent renewable, with 309,529 MWh sourced from renewables versus only 4,720 MWh from fossil fuels.
Tele2’s greenhouse gas emissions continued to decline. Total emissions stood at 242,140 tonnes CO2e (market-based), down 2 percent, and 274,468 tonnes CO2e (location-based), down 7 percent. Scope 1 emissions fell 18 percent to 1,146 tonnes, while Scope 2 emissions rose slightly to 167 tonnes. Scope 3 emissions remained the dominant contributor at 240,827 tonnes, accounting for over 99 percent of total emissions, largely driven by purchased goods and services (66 percent) and capital goods (20 percent).
The company has already exceeded its 2025 target, achieving a 97 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2019, surpassing its 90 percent goal. Scope 2 emissions alone have declined by 99.6 percent from the base year. Looking ahead, Tele2 aims for 100 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2029, a 60 percent cut in Scope 3 emissions per subscription, and net zero across its value chain by 2035.
Efficiency improvements are also evident, with GHG intensity reduced to 8.1 tCO2e per SEK million, down from 8.6, while location-based intensity dropped to 9.2. Tele2 estimates a total decarbonisation potential of 231,000 tonnes CO2e by 2029, with Scope 3 reductions contributing up to 186,000 tonnes annually. Supplier engagement alone could drive a 66 percent reduction, highlighting the importance of value chain collaboration.
Tele2 is also delivering a strong positive climate impact. Its digital services enabled customers to avoid approximately 700,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2025, equivalent to more than 290 percent of its total value chain emissions.
In circular economy efforts, the company reduced non-recycled waste to 5.4 percent, improved device take-back rates to 19.4 percent, and refurbished 91 percent of routers, with over half of distributed devices reused. Additional sustainability gains include a 35 percent reduction in refrigerant leakage and a 56 percent drop in business travel emissions.
Tele2’s sustainability leadership has been widely recognized. It was named Sweden’s most sustainable company by TIME Magazine and ranked 23rd globally in 2025. The Financial Times also ranked Tele2 number one in its Climate Leaders in Europe 2025 list, marking the third consecutive year at the top.
Overall, Tele2’s performance highlights a strong transition toward renewable energy, effective control of operational emissions, and a growing focus on tackling Scope 3 emissions while delivering measurable climate benefits through its services.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
