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Environmental impact

The earth's resources are limited, and environmentally sustainable networks are only possible with renewable energy, lower power consumption and increased circularity.

Our environmental goals

    Climate change

    Arelion has set a target for 50% scope 1 and 2 reduction by 2030 (from the 2021 baseline). Additionally, Arelion has set a target for net zero (which includes scope 3) by 2040.

    The Arelion net zero target for 2040 has been ratified by the Arelion board of directors with the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement. The GHG intensities for 2024 were 11.09, measured as tCO2e per MSEK revenue and 32.42 measured as tCO2e per TB (terabyte).  

    The primary focus has been on transitioning electricity procured by Arelion at our own sites. Future efforts include engaging with business partners who purchase electricity within our value chain at sites where our network is collocated or dependent on third party suppliers.

    The GHG intensity for 2024

    Energy

    Arelion has a long history of pursuing ever-greater network energy efficiency. Through these efforts, Arelion has been able to maintain consistent energy consumption levels despite unrelenting growth in customer data volumes.

    Total energy consumption

    • Energy consumed on own sites and offices 17 879 MWh
    • Energy total network consumption 69 509 MWh

    As a major source of emissions within our carbon footprint, energy has, and will continue to be, a critical focus area. Over many years, we have continuously improved our energy mix, and by the end of 2024 the renewable energy share (own sites) reached 93%. Depending on the location, we use different approaches to source renewable energy. As an example, we installed solar panels at two facilities in Germany to power core network equipment.

    IP data traffic and IP network electricity consumption graph

    “The power of digitalization and connectivity has the ability to accelerate our journey to a more sustainable future.”
    Sandra Klackenborn, Head of Sustainability and ESG

      Circularity

      Electronic components contain scarce and valuable raw materials, so we must ensure circulation in the production-usage-recycling loop. To transition from a linear to a circular approach, Arelion has set targets to reuse, resell, or recycle 100% of dismantled equipment. Arelion models activities according to the waste hierarchy, where the goal is to move towards the most favorable option: minimizing resource depletion and preventing waste wherever possible.

      Dismantled equipment reused or resold graph

      Sustainability

      Arelion takes responsibility for the wellbeing of people, our planet and sustainable business. Our sustainability agenda is a natural part of our overall strategy. Read more about how we are connecting a sustainable future.

      SDG 13: Climate action

      Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact.
      SDG goal climate action

      SDG 12: Responsible consumption & protection

      Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
      SDG goal responsible consumption