Ericsson's Net Zero journey

See the clear, transparent, and science-backed steps Ericsson is taking to reach Net Zero in the entire value chain by 2040.

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The journey to Net Zero starts here

ICT has a unique potential to enable other industrial sectors to move towards the low-carbon economy that will be central to achieve the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. According to Ericsson research, ICT solutions can enable a reduction of global carbon emissions by up to 15 percent by 2030.

Ericsson is committed to ensuring alignment of our direct and indirect advocacy activities, including those that could influence public policy, with the Paris agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C before pre-industrial times. Where our influence is exerted through membership and participation in organizations, such as trade and industry organizations, we are committed to working towards aligning the positions of those groups to further the same goals. We continuously work on supporting society with technology to create a positive impact while in parallel working on reducing our own and our products carbon footprint. This commitment is applicable to all entities within the Ericsson group.

Ericsson's Net Zero Journey

We are in the midst of a climate crisis. The science is clear - according to the latest IPCC report, WG 1, Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis 2021: there is no doubt that the current emergency is caused by human activity. We must accelerate climate action and limit global warming to 1.5°C. To do this, we need to at least halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and become Net Zero before 2050.

To support this global quest, we have set a long-term ambition to be Net Zero across our value chain by 2040. We are working toward a first major milestone to cut emissions by 50% in the supply chain and portfolio by 2030 and be Net Zero in our own activities at the same time. This will be done by decarbonizing our value chain, and only emissions that is technically unfeasible to eliminate will be neutralized through approved carbon removal credits according to the ITU’s Net Zero standard.

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The steps on our Net Zero ambition

Connecting technology with nature-based solutions

See how our Connected Mangroves project shows a powerful example for climate action, proving that our ICT solutions can effectively help communities and our environment in the current climate crisis.

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Connecting technology with nature-based solutions

Our impact shapes the world around us

Ericsson's activities

In 2016, as part of our commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, we joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) aiming to reduce our emissions by 35% by 2022 (a 1.5°C target). This has changed how we operate fleet vehicles, our facility energy usage, product transportation and business travel. *In 2021, we had reduced our emissions by 60% compared to 2016. We’ve shown that halving your emissions in less than 10 years is completely possible.

To support our new Net Zero 2040 ambition, we have set a new target to have Net Zero emissions in own activities (fleet, facilities, business travel and commuting/teleworking) by 2030. We are reducing emissions and not simply offsetting them. We are working towards buying 100% Renewable Energy to our Facilities. Today, 62% of all our energy purchased is from Renewable Energy - 67% if we count only electricity. We aspire to an electric fleet where possible, cap business travel to 50% pre-pandemic levels and reduce emissions from commuting and teleworking. Any residual emissions we can’t reduce we will need to remove in like for like emissions, following the ITU standards for Net Zero value chains.

Supply chain

For effective change, halving supply chain emissions by 2030 and ultimately reaching Net Zero, we need global engagement so that emissions from all parts of the value chain can be reduced. To achieve this, we work on product design, material choices and with suppliers directly. We are focusing on 350 of our high emitting and strategic suppliers – responsible for 90% of Ericsson’s supply chain emissions – to set their own 1.5°C aligned climate targets. This means that they should halve their own operations carbon emissions by 2030 or have corresponding yearly reduction rates.

We must use our influence for wider change. As part of our supply chain commitment, we founded the 1.5°C supply chain leaders collective, together with other leading companies and the Exponential Roadmap initiative, which is supported by the International Chamber of Commerce, the UN Race to Zero campaign and the We Mean Business Coalition. Companies who are taking part commit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain in line with the 1.5°C ambition, as well as driving climate action in both their business strategy and actions in society. The initiative also supports the SME Climate Hub in accelerating climate action for small and medium-sized enterprises. By offering the best tools and scientific resources, the hub is able to provide support when it comes to measuring SME’s greenhouse gas emissions and developing a climate strategy to not only reduce their emissions, but those in their value chain.

Portfolio in use

Energy use in network operation remains a priority for Ericsson and our customers. Our research shows that the lifetime energy usage from Ericsson’s delivered products remains a major contributor to our carbon footprint (>93%). As a result, we have a 1.5°C aligned Science Based Targets, to achieve a 35% energy saving in our Ericsson Radio System by 2022 compared to the legacy portfolio in 2016. In 2021, we achieved a 36% reduction. We also as a part of our Net Zero strategy decided to halve absolute emissions from portfolio use emissions by 2030.

Increased energy performance of Ericsson’s products and solutions is a key enabler to lower customers’ total cost of ownership and network related carbon footprint. We are committed to developing innovative products and solutions that enable the mobile industry to meet current and future traffic demands while simultaneously addressing energy consumption. That’s the driving force behind our holistic network level approach, 'Breaking the energy curve' , which supports the important energy reduction efforts that are integral to Ericsson´s and our customers Net Zero journeys.

Impact on society

ICT has a unique potential to enable other industrial sectors to move towards the low-carbon economy that will be central to preventing further climate change. According to Ericsson research, legacy ICT solutions can enable a reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 percent by 2030, while being responsible for only 1.4% of the global carbon footprint. With new emerging technologies like 5G, AI and IoT we can likely achieve even more reductions, if we implement them correctly.

We can do so much with the technology we deliver, but real climate action can only be achieved if we work together. We must unite as companies, governments, and international organizations to combat climate change.

Ericsson was an active lead partner with other leading organizations in the development of the Exponential Roadmap that was launched in conjunction to the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 and 2018. The Roadmap shows that there are 36 existing solutions across sectors that can be scaled globally to help halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Exponential Roadmap reports are now supported by the Exponential Roadmap initiative, driving global climate action for companies according to the 1.5°C ambition. As a member of the Exponential Roadmap initiative, Ericsson is also a member of the UN Race to Zero campaign.

Alongside the Exponential Roadmap initiative, Ericsson supported the development of the first 1.5°C Business Playbook for exponential climate action. The Playbook provides a framework on how companies and organizations of all sizes can fully integrate climate action into their business strategies and reach net-zero emissions.

Pioneering a sustainable future

Imagine climate action with exponential impact. With technology and global collaboration, it’s Possible. With 5G we can do even more. By working together, a better world is within our reach.

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Spotlight reports

Decarbonizing industries with connectivity and 5G

Explore in the new MIT Technology Review Insights whitepaper how connectivity & 5G can enable decarbonization in energy, manufacturing and transport sectors.

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Technological innovation, productivity & sustainability

Technological innovation has had a major impact on the economy from the industrial revolution to the present day. In this paper we explore the significance of technology for economic productivity and how it has affected living standards, jobs and the environment.

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1.5°C Business Playbook

With support from UN Race to Zero, WWF, International Chamber of Commerce, IKEA and more, Ericsson is leading the first business playbook for exponential climate action, supporting companies to align with the 1.5°C and net-zero ambition.

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Exponential roadmap

Halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is possible: the Roadmap shows what’s needed in each sector and market to enact change, including the right policy mix and bold climate leadership. Read the report here.

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ICT energy

Energy is one of the areas with highest importance for Ericsson’s overall sustainability performance. This paper focuses on the energy consumption ICT sector, energy performance of our products and how digitalization can be an important enabler of a low carbon future.

"Digital technology may be the most powerful, scalable tool the world has to tackle climate change. As an accelerator, it has the potential to reduce global emissions by up to 15 percent by 2030."

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Our third Exponential Climate Action Summit will focus on the challenges, opportunities, and creative solutions regarding circularity and resource efficiency. What role does circularity play in the Race to Zero, across production chains at speed and at scale?

We bring together transformers, disruptors and enablers focusing on how the circular economy will contribute to lowering emissions while addressing human needs. Join us on the 23rd September.

Listen below to this powerful and empowering speech from our own Niklas Heuveldop, why ICT is so fundamental in helping support the race to zero.

Circularity and The Race to Zero: Sept 23

To meet transformative climate goals, we need concrete plans. Listen to the third Exponential Climate Action summit where we focused on the challenges at the third Exponential Climate Action summit where we’ll be focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and creative solutions regarding circularity and resource efficiency.

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Blogs

Reports

For over 15 years, experts from around the business have been sharing their thoughts and knowledge through our blog site. Here we capture some of latest climate action blogs from colleagues within Ericsson.

A fundamental aspect to Ericsson’s approach broadly is to base its decisions on research and science – this applies equally to sustainability topics. We carry out peer-reviewed research, both alone and in collaboration with research partners from academia and business, on the environmental, social and economic effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), providing facts and insights for the company, the industry and stakeholders.