Telefónica Sets New Climate, Digital Wellbeing and Circular Economy Targets Under Global Sustainability Plan

Telefónica Sets New Climate, Digital Wellbeing and Circular Economy Targets Under Global Sustainability Plan

(IN BRIEF) Telefónica has approved its Global Sustainability Plan 2026–2030, integrating sustainability into its business strategy as part of the Group’s broader Transform & Grow plan. The roadmap is designed to support growth, operational efficiency, risk management and value creation while advancing a more responsible and resilient model of digitalisation. The plan includes targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and Scope 3 emissions by 56% by 2030, with a broader aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Telefónica also aims to reach zero waste by 2030 through reuse, refurbishment, circular asset management and more efficient use of critical materials. The plan covers environmental, social and governance priorities, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, responsible digitalisation, child protection, accessibility, digital wellbeing, rural connectivity, AI governance, privacy, supply chain traceability and sustainable finance.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 15-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Telefónica has approved its Global Sustainability Plan 2026–2030, a new roadmap designed to support business growth, improve operational efficiency, strengthen risk management and create long-term value for society.

The plan is integrated into Telefónica’s wider business strategy and forms part of the Group’s Transform & Grow strategic plan, which was presented in November. It is intended to help the company advance its transformation and growth while supporting a more resilient, responsible and sustainable model of digitalisation.

The new sustainability roadmap comes at a time of rising international competition, growing focus on digital sovereignty and significant change across the telecommunications sector. Telefónica said it is treating sustainability not only as a regulatory or reporting requirement, but as a driver of competitiveness in a market shaped by technological change, energy transition and geopolitical uncertainty.

The plan includes business-linked impact targets and key performance indicators, reflecting Telefónica’s view that sustainability can generate value when managed in an ambitious and practical way.

“Sustainability is a source of growth, efficiency, resilience and trust when you truly integrate it into the business,” said Maya Ormazabal, Global Chief Sustainability Officer at Telefónica. “With this ambitious and rigorous Plan, we are strengthening our competitiveness, creating value for customers, shareholders and society.”

She added that Telefónica is raising its climate ambition through targets focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency and the circular economy, with the company aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

The Global Sustainability Plan is structured around four business objectives: driving growth, increasing efficiency, mitigating risks and strengthening access to sustainable investment.

To support these goals, Telefónica will incorporate impact indicators into its management processes and implement the plan across the Group’s business areas and operating companies. The plan will also support the company’s compliance with ESG-related regulatory requirements and respond to investor and analyst expectations around sustainable finance.

Telefónica said sustainability will also help create commercial opportunities through products and services such as Eco Smart, which are designed to help residential customers, businesses and public authorities advance their environmental and decarbonisation goals.

Under the environmental pillar, Telefónica is increasing its climate commitments. By 2030, the company aims to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 90%, and Scope 3 emissions across its value chain by 56%, as part of its wider objective to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.

The company is also targeting zero waste by 2030 through the reuse and refurbishment of equipment, the extension of the useful life of technology assets and more efficient use of critical materials.

Telefónica said circular asset management and efficient energy use also support Europe’s technological sovereignty by promoting a model that combines innovation with high sustainability standards.

The environmental strategy includes measures to adapt to climate change, strengthen infrastructure resilience and promote long-term renewable energy supply agreements. These actions are intended to reduce operational risks and reinforce the company’s energy security.

The social pillar focuses on responsible and inclusive digitalisation. Telefónica plans to develop technological solutions that improve customer experience and help customers advance their decarbonisation efforts, including through Eco Smart solutions for businesses and public authorities.

The company will also strengthen initiatives aimed at improving rural connectivity, promoting inclusive digital access and encouraging responsible digitalisation. Particular attention will be given to child protection, accessibility and customers’ digital wellbeing.

Talent development is another key part of the plan. Telefónica said it will focus on attracting, developing and retaining people with the skills needed for the future, while promoting inclusive working environments and training in strategic capabilities linked to the technological transformation of the sector.

The company also plans to promote sustainability in its own television productions and strengthen brand value through trust, transparency and a distinctive sustainability positioning.

The governance pillar reinforces ethical, transparent and effective decision-making. Telefónica will integrate ESG criteria into corporate decision processes, supply chain management and capital allocation.

The plan also includes a governance model for artificial intelligence, a comprehensive privacy framework and holistic security management. Telefónica said these measures will help reduce risks, capture business opportunities and position the Group as a trusted provider of digital infrastructure and services.

The company will continue strengthening its management policies and processes, improving oversight and traceability across its supply chain, and maintaining its commitment to sustainable financing.

The 2026–2030 Global Sustainability Plan was developed in collaboration with Telefónica’s main corporate divisions and operating companies. Its implementation will be overseen by the Sustainability and Regulation Committee, while key indicators will be incorporated into the Executive Committee’s strategic management and monitoring mechanisms.

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SOURCE: Telefónica, S.A.