Mobile Net Zero 2024

66 MEMBERS

WITH A GLOBAL NETWORK

More mobile network operators joined the GSMA Climate Action Taskforce in 2023. The Taskforce has grown rapidly over the last three years and now has 66 members, with networks in most countries around the world.

70 OPERATORS

COMMITTED TO NEAR-TERM CLIMATE TARGETS

Mobile network operators are leaders in proactively committing to voluntary climate targets. Over the past year, eight operators submitted new near-term targets to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), bringing the global total to 70 operators, representing nearly half of global mobile connection industry. 53 operators have also committed to net zero targets.

80%

OF CONNECTIONS DISCLOSED THEIR CLIMATE IMPACTS

A growing number of operators are publicly disclosing their climate impacts. 70 mobile network operators representing over half of mobile connections globally disclosed to the CDP in 2023, compared with 67 operators in 2022. In addition, data was gathered from nine large operators’ sustainability reports, bringing the total coverage of disclosures to 80% of connections.

19 OPERATORS

RECEIVED AN A-SCORE

The quality of disclosures has improved, with a record 19 operators receiving an A score in 2023. Over a quarter of operators disclosing to CDP received an A, compared with just 1.5% of all companies disclosing to CDP in 2023. Operators also improved the coverage and quality of Scope 3 disclosures - the most difficult to measure - with nearly two-thirds of operators disclosing to CDP on 10 or more Scope 3 categories.

¾

OF INDUSTRY'S OVERALL CARBON EMISSIONS ARE SCOPE 3 VALUE CHAIN EMISSIONS

Three-quarters of the mobile industry's overall carbon emissions come from its value chain (Scope 3), highlighting the importance of engaging supply chains and customers. Over 90% of Scope 3 emissions came from just five Scope 3 categories: 1) Purchased goods and services; 2) Capital goods; 3) Fuel- and energy-related activities; 11) Use of sold products; and 15) Investments.

OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS

Operational emissions fell in most regions between 2019 and 2022, led by a 50% reduction in Europe. In North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa, operators reduced their emissions by 20-30%. Achieving the sector's 2030 targets requires the industry's overall emissions, including Scope 3, to fall by around 7% per year to 2030.

COMBINED SCOPE 1 & 2 EMISSIONS FELL BY

6%

Operational emissions have fallen despite surging demand for data and connectivity thanks to progress on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Between 2019 and 2022, global internet traffic more than doubled and the mobile connections rose 7% while combined Scope 1 and 2 (market-based) emissions fell 6%.

ENERGY INTENSITY OF DATA TRANSMISSION FELL BY

10-20%

PER YEAR BETWEEN 2019 - 2022

High and volatile energy prices over the past three years have increased the urgency of maximising energy efficiency. Information from operators show that the energy intensity of data transmission fell by an average of 10-20% per year between 2019 and 2022. Globally, the average connection consumed around 30 kWh in 2022, with significant variation between countries.

50 TWh

RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PURCHASED IN 2022

Renewable energy is already playing a major role in reducing mobile operators' emissions, accounting for a third of reductions between 2021 and 2022. Operators disclosing to CDP purchased 50 TWh of renewable electricity in 2022 - one-third of their purchased electricity, up from 14% in 2019. Without these renewable energy purchases, operational carbon emissions are estimated to have been 15 million tonnes higher in 2022.

15

MOBILE OPERATORS

SIGNED UP TO NEW CIRCULARITY TARGETS

Increasing the circularity of mobile phones and network equipment is critical to reducing value chain emissions. In June 2023 the GSMA announced two new circularity targets to reduce the environmental impact of mobile phones by boosting their circularity through reuse, repair, and recycling. As of January 2024, 15 operators have signed up to the new targets, representing a billion mobile connections.

BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RENEWABLE ENERGY CIRCULARITY

Achieving the industry's net zero goal requires concerted action from operators and suppliers, supported by policies and investment from governments. For operators and suppliers, the biggest opportunities are in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and circularity. Governments should play a key enabling role across these areas by implementing strong climate policies and ensuring energy markets and regulations encourage investment in renewable energy and grids.