Nokia - zero-emission mobile network
Nokia, a global telecommunications company, has set ambitious net zero goals, focusing on:
- Emissions reduction
- Energy efficiency
- Decarbonisation
- Collaboration with recycling partners
Nokia’s time frame for achieving net zero emissions
Nokia aims to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. The company expects to see a more significant impact as more energy-efficient products and features of their portfolio are adopted and decarbonisation of the grid continues globally.
Decarbonisation and renewable energy
Nokia is actively working towards decarbonisation by transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient technologies. The company is also exploring carbon capture and removal technologies to reduce its carbon footprint further.
Collaboration with recycling partners
With strong processes and procedures done in close collaboration with recycling partners. Nokia's global refurbishment centre was running with zero landfill. This approach reduces the company's carbon emissions and promotes a circular economy by extending the life of products and minimising waste.
Monitoring and reporting progress
Nokia is committed to transparency and stakeholder engagement in its journey towards net zero emissions. The company publishes sustainability reports, such as the "Nokia People and Planet 2022 Sustainability Report," which provides detailed information on its progress, initiatives, and future plans.
Nokia supports suppliers & customers in achieving net zero
Nokia understands that achieving net zero emissions requires collective efforts. As a responsible leader in the industry, the company actively supports its suppliers and customers in their journey towards net zero.
Investors
Nokia engages with shareholders and the investor community on ESG topics, including climate targets, actions, governance, and energy efficiency of its products.
Suppliers and Partners
The company works with suppliers to drive transparency, sustainability, and good ethical and business practices in its supply chain, addressing topics such as climate change, circular materials, and health and safety.
Industry collaborations
Nokia collaborates with other industry players and academic institutions to foster innovation, research, and talent development in sustainability and climate risk management.
Nokia integrates net zero goals into its business strategy
Nokia's net zero strategy focuses on emissions reduction, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and collaboration with recycling partners. This approach aligns with its long-term business strategy by addressing:
- Key stakeholder concerns
- Fostering innovation
- Promoting sustainable growth
Addressing stakeholder concerns
- Customers: Nokia works with customers to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of its products, enabling positive changes through technology.
- Investors: The company engages with shareholders and the investor community on ESG topics, including climate targets, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing.
- Suppliers and Partners: Nokia collaborates with suppliers to drive transparency, sustainability, and good ethical practices in its supply chain.
- Government: Nokia contributes to policy debates fostering a connected society and the adoption of new technologies around the world.
Nokia’s fostering innovation and sustainable growth
By focusing on energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and circular products, Nokia positions itself as a leader in sustainable technology, driving innovation and long-term growth.
Decarbonisation
Nokia recognises the urgency of reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change. Nokia aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by:
- Shifting away from high-carbon energy sources
- Embracing cleaner alternatives
Energy efficiency
At Nokia, energy efficiency is a top priority. The company is dedicated to maximising the efficiency of its operations, products, and services. Nokia strives to minimise energy consumption and waste by:
- Adopting energy-efficient technologies
- Optimising processes
- Implementing intelligent solutions
Circular economy
Nokia is a strong advocate for the circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, creating a closed-loop system that minimises waste and maximises value.
Nokia's net zero strategy translates into everyday work
Nokia's strategy aims to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote a circular economy. This will affect day-to-day operations and employees in various ways.
Here are some ways which affect a company's day-to-day operations.
Energy efficiency and decarbonisation
Adoption of energy-efficient technologies: Employees may need to adapt to new technologies and processes that improve energy efficiency in their daily work.
Transition to renewable energy sources: Nokia's operations will increasingly rely on renewable energy. It may require adjustments in energy management and infrastructure.
Circular products and waste reduction
Design for circularity: Employees involved in product design and development must consider circularity principles. Such as:
- Designing for durability
- Repairability
- Recyclability
Collaboration with recycling partners: Nokia will work closely with recycling partners to minimise waste. It may involve new processes for handling and disposing of materials.
Employee engagement and wellbeing
Health and safety: Nokia's net zero strategy focuses on employee well-being. It may lead to enhanced health and safety measures in the workplace.
Learning and career development: Employees may have opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge related to:
- Sustainability,
- Energy efficiency
- And circular economy principles.
Inclusion and diversity: Nokia's commitment to sustainability extends to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. It may impact hiring practices and workplace culture.
Employees' role in Nokia's net zero goals
Employees play a crucial role in helping Nokia achieve its net zero goals by:
- Adopting energy-efficient technologies
- Supporting the transition to renewable energy sources
- Contributing to a circular economy.
Adoption of energy-efficient technologies
Energy conservation: Employees can contribute by using energy-efficient equipment, turning off devices when not in use, and participating in energy-saving initiatives.
Remote work and virtual meetings: Employees can help lower Nokia's carbon footprint by reducing the need for physical travel.
Supporting the transition to renewable energy sources
Green commuting: Employees can opt for eco-friendly transportation options, such as carpooling, public transport, or cycling, to reduce emissions.
Advocacy for renewable energy: Employees can support and promote using renewable energy sources within the company and in their communities.
Employees’ contribution to a circular economy
Waste reduction: Employees can help minimise waste by recycling, reusing, and reducing the consumption of resources.
Collaboration with recycling partners: Employees can actively engage with recycling partners to ensure proper disposal and recycling of materials.
Employee well-being, learning, and development
Nokia can foster a workforce that is motivated and equipped to contribute to the company's net zero goals by focusing on:
- Employee well-being
- Learning and career development
- Inclusion and diversity
Empowering employees in sustainability efforts
Nokia ensures employee education and engagement in sustainability efforts through various approaches, focusing on fostering a culture of trust, respect, diversity, and opportunity.
- New people strategy: Nokia has implemented a new people strategy to align its workforce with its sustainability goals and objectives.
- Nokia essentials: The company has introduced essential guidelines and policies to ensure employees understand and adhere to sustainability practices.
- Wellbeing, health and safety: Nokia prioritises employee wellbeing, health, and safety, promoting a healthy work environment that supports sustainability efforts.
- Future ways of working: The company encourages flexible working arrangements and remote work, reducing emissions from commuting and promoting a better work-life balance.
- Inclusion and diversity: Nokia fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees and promoting a culture that values different perspectives on sustainability.
- Learning and career development: Nokia invests in employee learning and development, providing training programmes and resources to educate employees on sustainability topics and best practices.
- Collaboration with academic institutions: Nokia works with various academic institutions in areas. This includes collaborative research, training programmes, innovation events, and talent development, ensuring employees have access to the latest knowledge and expertise in sustainability.
Nokia’s net zero strategy alignment with competitors
Nokia's net zero strategy focuses on emissions reduction, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and collaboration with recycling partners. Here's how it compares/aligns with some of its competitors.
Challenges
Nokia has some tough challenges to overcome to achieve its net zero emissions targets. These challenges include switching to renewable energy sources and using more energy-efficient technologies.
- Transition to renewable energy sources: Shifting from traditional energy sources to renewables can be complex and costly.
- Implementing energy-efficient technologies: Integrating new technologies into existing operations may require significant investments and adjustments.
- Carbon capture and removal technologies: These technologies are still in development and may not be widely available or cost-effective.
- Collaboration with recycling partners: Establishing and maintaining partnerships for a circular economy can be challenging due to differing priorities and goals.
- Employee engagement and education: Ensuring employees are informed and committed to sustainability requires ongoing communication and training.
Their 2022 sustainability report highlighted three specific areas for improvement
- Although total emissions remained level compared to 2021, they were 13% above the linear trajectory between 2019 and 2030.
- Recorded eight fatal and 4 critical incidents with suppliers working on Nokia’s behalf. They are taking steps to emphasise life-saving rules and supplier capability.
- Logistics emissions saw a 9% increase compared to 2019. Nokia continues to work with innovative solutions such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel and in collaboration with customers.
Strategies to overcome challenges
Nokia employs a multi-faceted approach to tackle the obstacles to its sustainability path. By investing in green technologies, collaborating with partners, and fostering employee engagement and education, Nokia builds a solid foundation to overcome challenges and achieve its goals.
- Investment in green technologies: Nokia allocates resources to research and implement renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and carbon capture and removal solutions.
- Supplier and partner collaboration: The company works closely with suppliers, partners, and recycling organisations to align goals and promote sustainable practices.
- Employee education and engagement: Nokia fosters a culture of sustainability through training programmes, innovation events, and collaboration with academic institutions.
- Flexible working arrangements and remote work: By encouraging remote work and flexible schedules, Nokia reduces emissions from employee commuting and promotes a diverse, inclusive workforce.
- Industry collaboration: Nokia actively participates in industry initiatives and partnerships to share knowledge and best practices and drive collective progress towards net zero emissions.
Awards and recognition for sustainability efforts
Nokia has received several awards and recognition for its sustainability and climate action work.
- RE100 Best Newcomer: In September 2022, Nokia was recognised as the best newcomer by RE100, the Climate Group, and CDP for its work on renewables.
- Vodafone Group Planet Award: In October 2022, Nokia received the first-ever Vodafone Group Planet Award at the Arch Summit in Luxembourg for its work on climate challenges.
