Strategy and sustainability management
ESG as a driver for resilience, performance, and sustainable value creation
We manage our sustainability efforts with the Responsible Business Plan (RBP). It serves as our instrument for systematically integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues into all business processes. This is based on the double materiality assessment, which we used to identify the relevant issues, impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) (see Key topics).
Based on this foundation, we have defined four strategic areas of action, each with its own relevant topics and objectives. These are closely linked to our mission: We want to offer our customers the best digital experience – through connectivity and advanced services tailored to every need. Technological innovation and excellent service are key pillars for building trust and supporting the digital development of individuals, businesses, and public administrations.
We have successfully implemented our RBP 2025. Our strategy is regularly reviewed and further developed. We will publish the new sustainability strategy in spring 2026 as part of the ESG group strategy of the Telefónica, S.A. Group. Read more about the RBP here: Sustainability. Using four strategic areas of action, we ensure that sustainability is a key success factor for our company’s future viability – and also contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An overview of how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are mapped to and contribute to our four strategic fields of action can be found here.
Environment and climate
Energy, climate, and the circular economy are key priorities for us: We are investing in a network infrastructure that reduces our carbon footprint. Our goal is to strengthen O2 Telefónica’s sustainability performance – not only for ourselves, but also for our customers. You can find all the progress and targets related to this in the chapter Environment.
Customers and society
Product and service experience, network quality and coverage, and digital skills are further key topics. The goal is to ensure a modern infrastructure and provide innovative solutions. Data protection and information security are always integral components – also in scalable solutions for our customers and their reputation. Our approach is to promote the responsible use of technology through practical tools and targeted knowledge transfer. All progress and goals in this regard can be found in the chapter Social.
Responsible corporate governance
Transparent, ethical, and sustainable practices are a central foundation of our business. With a focus on governance, compliance and ethical principles, data protection and information security, as well as human rights and sustainable supply chain management, we aim to minimise risks and strengthen our company’s credibility with our customers. All progress and objectives in this regard can be found in the chapter Governance.
Employees
With key themes such as work enablement for the future and shaping an attractive work environment, we are focusing on strengthening the diversity, health, and digital skills of our employees. Only a motivated and qualified team can create the foundation for stability and innovation in joint projects. You can find all the progress and targets related to this starting from here.
Milestones of our commitment to sustainability
How O2 Telefónica has systematically developed the topic of sustainability with its three pillars of Environment, Social, and Governance over the past years – we present the key milestones in chronological order.
Sustainability will become part of our corporate culture
The first sustainability initiatives have been established, and basic processes for anchoring the topic in the company have been defined.
First Responsible
Business Plan
For the first time, targets, key performance indicators and responsibilities are being consolidated within the Group and regularly monitored in a fixed control and progress process.
Switch to 100% electricity from renewable energy sources
For the German locations, energy procurement is being reorganised and secured in the long term through suitable documentation and, since 2025, through PPA contracts.
Due diligence system &
CDR initiative
Risk assessment processes for human rights and supply chains are established; the company joins the Corporate Digital Responsibility Initiative as a founding member.
Second RBP and
net-zero ambitions
Strategic climate planning is being expanded: long-term targets are being set and an interim target for scope 1 and 2 emissions is to be defined by 2025 at the latest.
Validation of our
climate targets
The emission targets of our parent company Telefónica, S.A. Group, including its subsidiaries, are reviewed by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and recognised as science-based in line with the 1.5-degree pathway.
Circular economy strategy and rating results
Resource conservation measures are bundled and translated into concrete offers; external evaluations confirm good to very good results.
Completion of the
RBP 2025 targets
The target period has been evaluated: We have fully achieved approx. 80% of our set targets.
Further development of the 2023 sustainability strategy
Transferring our achieved targets into a new plan that defines key topics, targets and measures up to 2030.