In a world grappling with the pressing climate change issue, corporations increasingly recognise the importance of environmental responsibility. One such trailblazing entity is e&, which has recently announced its partnership with the Green Digital Action initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This strategic move underscores e&’s unwavering commitment to achieving net-zero targets and supporting global efforts toward a sustainable future.
e& Joins the Green Digital Action Initiative
The Path to Sustainability
e&’s decision to join the Green Digital Action initiative is a significant step toward aligning its operations with the urgent need for climate action. This collaborative effort, which boasts over 40 partners, is a testament to e&’s dedication to finding real-time solutions to combat climate change.
The Green Digital Action Mission
Launched at COP28, the Green Digital Action initiative primarily focuses on decarbonizing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. It emphasizes the pivotal role of digital technologies in addressing the climate crisis. It aims to foster collaboration, accelerate industry-wide commitments, and position digital solutions as frontrunners in the fight against climate change.
e&’s Commitment to Sustainability
Science-Based Targets
e& has wasted no time aligning itself with the commitments the Green Digital Action initiative put forth. Notably, the company has set science-based targets, which have received validation from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets align with a 1.5°C trajectory, a critical milestone in climate action.
Transparency and Data Sharing
e& actively contributes to transparency and data sharing in the fight against climate change. The company openly shares information about its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and participates in creating an ICT sector database of emission factors for products and services as part of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Collaborative Efforts
e& is not alone in its sustainability journey. The company actively engages in ITU-led working groups, fostering collaboration with global governments and industry leaders. This collaborative approach is a testament to e&’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation for climate action on a global scale.
Harrison Lung on e&’s Sustainability Commitment
Harrison Lung, Group Chief Strategy Officer at e&, expresses the significance of e&’s commitment to the Green Digital Action initiative. He states, “Our commitment to the Green Digital Action track marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future. This perfectly aligns with our strategy to integrate sustainability across all operations and brings us closer to our net-zero ambitions. By collaborating with global governments and industry leaders, e& is taking a leadership role in leveraging digital innovation for climate action and driving positive change on a global scale.”
e& as the Principal Technology Partner for COP28
Dedication to Sustainability
e&’s role as the ‘Principal Technology Partner’ for COP28 underscores its unwavering dedication to sustainability. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its operations (Scope 1 and 2) in all markets by 2040. This builds upon its previous commitment to achieving net-zero emissions in UAE operations by 2030.
Ambitious Reduction Targets
e& has set ambitious reduction targets, aiming for a 43 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 25 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030. These targets showcase e&’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the global climate agenda.
Sustainability Initiatives by e& Enterprise
Decarbonization Solutions
e& Enterprise, a specialist business vertical within e&, is pivotal in implementing sustainability initiatives. It provides digital solutions and technologies supporting carbon-intensive industries’ decarbonization, marking a significant step toward a greener future.
Pioneering Technology
e& has also pioneered the first net-zero 5G Massive MIMO site in the MENA region through its legacy telecom arm, Etisalat by e&. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates e&’s commitment to technological innovation in pursuing sustainability.
The Sustainable Finance Framework
Financing Sustainability
e&’s journey toward a sustainable future includes the recent launch of the Group’s Sustainable Finance Framework. This framework involves signing a sustainable loan amounting to AED 366 million, aligning with the commitments made at COP28. The funds from this sustainable loan will be directed toward financing projects that drive positive community impact and facilitate climate transition in the technology sector.
e&’s Participation in the EDISON Alliance
A Pledge for Progress
e& has further solidified its commitment to making a difference by joining the World Economic Forum’s EDISON Alliance. Through this pledge, e& aims to improve the lives of 30 million individuals by 2025. This will be achieved through enhanced network access, financial services, and technology education, marking a significant contribution to societal progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, e&’s dedication to integrating sustainability and environmental responsibility into every aspect of its operations reflects its unwavering commitment to a sustainable and inclusive digital future. Through partnerships, science-based targets, transparency, and pioneering initiatives, e& is paving the way for a greener tomorrow. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, e& is taking a leadership role in leveraging digital innovation for climate action, setting an inspiring example for the corporate world.
