According to the World Resources Institute, every year more than 100 billion tonnes of resources enter the economy and only 8.6% of them are recycled. An unsustainable situation given that the extraction of natural resources is the cause of 90% of the loss of biodiversity and water stress on our planet.
We need to change the way we do things, and the circular economy is the answer. Additionally, it would enable greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced to 39%. At Telefónica, we are increasingly circular in our processes and with our customers and suppliers.
Internal Eco-efficiency
The resource that we most use at Telefónica is the energy which supplies our telecommunications networks, and therefore, our objetives are focused on reducing our consumption and using 100% renewable electricity. Additionally, we should also mention water; we have reduced our consumption by 2% compared to 2021, and paper, with more than 783 million electronic bills having been sent in 2021, preventing more than 66,000 trees from being felled.
For Telefónica, the best waste is that which is never produced in the first place. That’s why we have set ourselves the goal of moving towards becoming a Zero Waste company in 2030. To achieve this, we have the following new targets:
We promote the circularity concept in our customers
Industry 4.0 has the potential to facilitate circular strategies. The Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and a combination of these technologies help to optimise the planet’s resources.
At Telefónica we take advantage of them through our Eco Smart digital solutions for companies.
We inform our customers about the environmental impact of their phones through the Eco Rating, we make it easier to buy back old telephones, and we repair routers instead of making new ones (the Smart Wifi Router contains less plastic, metal and other components than a conventional device).
“Digital technologies are driving a profound transformation of our economy”
More Info:
What happens with the mobiles, routers and other old equipment that you take to Movistar stores? (in Spanish)
Suppliers as partners
We integrate the circular economy philosophy into our relationship with our suppliers, essential allies in this transition. Therefore, as part of our Global Supply Chain Sustainability Policy, we ask them to apply eco-design, reduce single-use plastics and generally protect the environment as much as possible. As regards waste management, we have a joint digital platform and work together to reduce GHG emissions
- Download the policyPolicy Sustainability Supply ChainPDF | 384 KB