The 2015 Paris Agreement set an ambitious goal: to limit global warming to +1.5°C compared to 1850 levels. In response to the climate emergency, companies, particularly in the telecommunications sector, are committed to reducing their carbon footprint through decarbonization targets set for 2030, 2040, or 2050, often guided by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).
A major international operator has committed to a 45% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2030 and to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 (90% reduction, 10% offset). To reach these ambitious objectives, they turned to Sofrecom’s expertise.
Sofrecom’s mission was structured around three key axes:
- Carbon Footprint Modeling: Developing models for each of the operator’s activities to calculate CO2e impact from 2020 to 2030.
- Identification and Quantification of Decarbonization Levers: Analyzing concrete solutions to reduce emissions.
- Operationalization of Levers: Implementing actions to achieve decarbonization goals.
A methodology for modelling decarbonisation
The methodology relied on close collaboration between the operator’s experts and Sofrecom, with a modular and simplified approach to facilitate model updates. Building a trust-based relationship with CSR managers across different entities was crucial for collecting reliable physical data.
- Strategic and financial alignment: collaboration between Sustainable Finance and Sofrecom has enabled us to assess the cost of deploying the Group's decarbonization actions by 2030, and to ensure that the entities have the necessary budget to implement them.
- The "Nursery": A Sustainable Solutions Incubator: The final phase involved operationalizing the decarbonization levers through a dedicated program aimed at discovering new solutions. The "Nursery" seeks to identify and quantify technical, regulatory, or business-driven levers that are not yet incorporated into the initial trajectories.
Addressing Cross-Functional Expectations
The project faced challenges, notably reconciling the expectations of different entities and collecting reliable data for the 2030 horizon. Sofrecom facilitated stakeholder dialogue and helped establish realistic assumptions based on past trends and emerging technologies.
Sofrecom’s Expertise Supporting the Ecological Transition
Thanks to its multidisciplinary expertise and deep understanding of sustainable development issues, Sofrecom provided valuable scientific insights, especially in modeling new decarbonization levers. This collaborative approach enabled the operator to better understand the actions needed to meet its decarbonization objectives.
Conclusion
Corporate engagement in decarbonization is essential in combating global warming. Sofrecom’s support highlights the crucial role of experts in this transition, helping telecom operators define and implement ambitious yet realistic strategies.
