The global telecom sector is turning green, but progress is slow. According to a November 2025 study, telco energy consumption was flat in 2024 at 340.6 TWh. While renewable energy now accounts for 23% of that total, up from just 10% in 2019, the industry requires a deeper commitment to meet climate goals. Total emissions, including Scope 3, fell 6-8% YoY in both 2023 and 2024. These gains are driven by global 5G scaling and the transition from copper to more energy-efficient fiber. However, the path ahead is steep. Scope 3 emissions represent the majority of the telco carbon footprint, but reporting remains inconsistent among laggards like the major Chinese operators and STC. Real progress in reducing emissions intensity depends on vendors. While Europe-based vendors like Nokia and Ericsson have minimized direct emissions, Chinese vendors and cable manufacturers like Corning remain high-intensity outliers.
The geopolitical landscape adds further complexity. Recent regressive moves by the Trump administration, including exiting the Paris Agreement and prioritizing coal, threaten global momentum. Despite this, European telcos are doubling down on their green agendas. Seven of the world's top ten greenest telcos, led by Swisscom and Telefonica, are based in Europe. These companies are integrating ESG into financial reporting, utilizing green bonds, and investing directly in renewable energy infrastructure. Ultimately, the "European model" offers a blueprint for the industry. By leveraging green procurement, management prioritization, "green enablement" for customers, and other levers, telcos can decouple growth from emissions. Regional constraints remain a reality, but a serious green strategy is not just about morality or being a "tree hugger." It is a financial requirement for telcos who want to protect their global valuations and satisfy investors who now reward transparency and sustainability.
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The geopolitical landscape adds further complexity. Recent regressive moves by the Trump administration, including exiting the Paris Agreement and prioritizing coal, threaten global momentum. Despite this, European telcos are doubling down on their green agendas. Seven of the world's top ten greenest telcos, led by Swisscom and Telefonica, are based in Europe. These companies are integrating ESG into financial reporting, utilizing green bonds, and investing directly in renewable energy infrastructure. Ultimately, the "European model" offers a blueprint for the industry. By leveraging green procurement, management prioritization, "green enablement" for customers, and other levers, telcos can decouple growth from emissions. Regional constraints remain a reality, but a serious green strategy is not just about morality or being a "tree hugger." It is a financial requirement for telcos who want to protect their global valuations and satisfy investors who now reward transparency and sustainability.
Organizations mentioned:
- Airtel
- Altice USA
- America Movil
- Amnesty International
- BAS Corp
- Bouygues Telecom
- Charter Communications
- China Mobile
- China Telecom
- China Unicom
- Ciena
- Cisco
- Corning
- Defense Department (USA)
- Deutsche Telekom
- Dish Network
- egg Power
- Environmental Protection Agency (USA)
- Ericsson
- Fiberhome
- Furukawa Electric
- Huawei
- International Energy Agency
- LG Uplus
- Liberty Global
- Nokia
- NVIDIA
- Orange
- Proximus
- STC
- Sterlite
- Swisscom
- Tele2 AB
- Telefonica
- Telia
- Telkom Indonesia
- Telus
- Vodafone
- ZTE
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Table of Contents
- 1. Summary
- 2. Telecom energy use & sustainability trends
- 3. Global telco sector is getting greener, but slowly
- 4. Path to net zero
- 5. Vendors hold the key to lowering telco scope 3 emissions
- 6. Enter stage right: Trump
- 7. European telcos lead on sustainability metrics
- 8. Europe's green leaders doubling down
- 9. Conclusion
- 10. Appendix
