TELUS becomes first national telecom in Canada to set science-based GHG emissions reduction targets approved by STBi

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, TELUS announced that it has set new science-based GHG emissions reduction targets, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (STBi), to further demonstrate its global sustainability leadership and support the world’s fight against climate change. TELUS has committed to:

• reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46% by 2030 starting from 2019¹
• reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel and employee commuting by 46% from 2019 to 2030, and
• reducing scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods and use of sold products 75% per million dollars of revenue within the same timeframe.
  

__________________
_{¹ The target boundary includes biogenic emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks}

In April, TELUS released its 2020 Sustainability Report outlining the company’s environmental, social, and governance strategy and priorities, which includes the ambitious goal to achieve net carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030.

“Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance is embedded in everything we do — it is at the centre of every decision we make. We are proud of our global leadership in sustainability and our dedication to exploring new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize our impact on the planet while creating sustainable value for the communities where we live, work and serve,” said Doug French, Chief Financial Officer, TELUS. “From our commitment to reducing GHG emissions, to operational carbon neutrality by 2030, and implementing the most expansive remote work program in Canada sustainable solutions are at the core of every decision we make at TELUS.”

The Science Based Targets initiative mobilizes companies to set science-based targets and boost their competitive advantage in the transition to a low-carbon economy. It is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. The initiative defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets. SBTi utilizes a robust and well respected set of methodologies to measure what emissions reduction is needed for each sector and company within to prevent catastrophic global warming.

In 2020, TELUS exceeded its climate change objectives, achieving a 17% reduction in energy consumption and a 37% decrease in GHG emissions over 2010 levels. As the global pandemic gripped the world last year, TELUS enabled more than 95% of team members to work from home or in a mobile capacity saving time, resources, and GHG emissions resulting from reduced travel and commuting. In addition, TELUS has successfully negotiated four Power Purchase Agreements that will provide 100% of TELUS’ electricity needs in Alberta from renewable sources such as wind and solar.

To learn more about TELUS’ commitment to a more sustainable future, visit telus.com/sustainability.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $16 billion in annual revenue and 16 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. We leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. In 2020, TELUS was recognized as having the fastest wireless network in the world, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better. TELUS Health is Canada’s leader in digital health technology, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions throughout the agriculture value chain, supporting better food outcomes from improved agri-business data insights and processes. TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that delivers next-generation AI and content management solutions for global brands across the technology and games, ecommerce and FinTech, communications and media, healthcare, travel and hospitality sectors. TELUS and TELUS International operate in 25+ countries around the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees to contribute more than $820 million and 1.6 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact:
Donna Ramirez
TELUS Media Relations
[e-mail]