Telecommunications group DNA is actively working to reduce their climate impact. Gaia’s experts have been working alongside DNA for more than a decade, and the work towards a carbon neutral future continues.
DNA began measuring their greenhouse gas emissions and seeking ways to reduce them about 10 years ago. The ICT sector’s growing energy demand, caused by an increase in data connections and data volumes, was an influencing factor. A trusted partner was needed from the very beginning.
Gaia certainly has an incredible understanding of climate and environmental topics, which is why their help has been instrumental in developing our emissions calculations
says Tuuli Nummelin, DNA’s Corporate Responsibility Manager. Support with climate reporting has also been needed. “As regulatory requirements are defined, we have quick access to the best know-how for support with changes in reporting.”
DNA wants to have a clear understanding of the status of their climate actions and their impact on emissions. A long, shared history with Gaia creates continuity, even when their own team might change. “Gaians know our background and thus help us retain information. After all, I myself have only been at DNA for a couple of years.”
Thanks to the framework agreement, Gaia’s experts can be reached quickly to get help with issues, big or small. “Heli Sihvonen is our right hand in environmental issues. She knows where we’re coming from and where we’re going. You don’t have to dwell on anything alone for long.”
Indisputably reliable emissions calculations
In 2019, a reliable partner was needed when the Norwegian company Telenor bought DNA and the two companies’ sustainability targets had to be joined together.
“We received a great deal of assistance from Gaia to demonstrate that our climate numbers have been calculated correctly and reporting has been done by the book”, Nummelin says. “The accuracy, reliability and credibility of Gaia’s climate expertise provides relief to a generalist like myself. In addition, Gaia has assisted DNA in the transition to an environmental management system (EMS) compliant with ISO 14001.”
Electricity consumption emissions decreased by 30%
DNA follows particularly closely the indirect greenhouse gas emissions of purchased energy from Scope 2 that are used in carbon calculations and reporting. Scope 2 includes, for example, emissions from the electricity consumption of the radio network and equipment facilities.
“We have switched to using only renewable electric energy, Nummelin says, pleased. “In addition, our technological solutions are continuously becoming more efficient and this caused our electricity consumption emissions to decrease by around 30% in 2021, although overall consumption increased.”
She believes emissions will also decrease in the future. “With Gaia, we are currently looking into how much green electricity is used in our numerous rental spaces. This allows us to take into account their sustainable electricity consumption when defining Scope 2.
Responsible compensation is a last measure
The list of impactful climate actions continued in 2021 when the Group’s climate targets won the approval of the prestigious Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).
“The aim of the program is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees under the Paris Climate Agreement, and that is why we created an action plan for DNA to support it,” says Heli Sihvonen, a climate expert at Gaia. Getting into the program requires the company to really reduce its emissions, not only offset them.
Compensation is a good additional measure, when done right. DNA began to offset its Scope 1 emissions in 2022. These include fuel emissions from cars. “Gaia gave guidance on how to communicate compensation in the right way. We don’t want to make false claims about our achievements,” Nummelin stresses.
The work to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 continues, and Nummelin considers the climate expertise provided by a trusted partner to be invaluable. “With Gaia, we can ensure that things are done right and our own understanding is up to date.”
DNA Oyj is a Finnish telecommunications group that produces voice, data and TV services. In December 2018, it had more than 4 million subscription customers, of which 2.82 million in the mobile network and 1.24 million in the fixed network. DNA is part of the Norwegian Telenor Group.
Goals
The goal is to support the Paris Climate Agreement to stop global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Our Role
Gaia is acting as a partner on a continuous basis and thus ensuring continuity of actions.
“With Gaia, we can ensure that things are done right and our own understanding is up to date.”
Results
DNA has switched to using only renewable electric energy. In addition, the technological solutions are continuously becoming more efficient and this caused DNA’s electricity consumption emissions to decrease by around 30% in 2021, although overall consumption increased.
