AT&T

Overview

AT&T is a major telecommunications company committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company's sustainability strategy encompasses various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact, enhancing resource efficiency, and supporting broader societal goals.

Key Actions

  1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
    • Network Optimization: AT&T has implemented advanced technologies to optimize its network operations, significantly reducing energy consumption.
    • Renewable Energy Investments: AT&T has made substantial investments in renewable energy, including purchasing wind and solar energy to power its operations. In 2018, AT&T signed agreements for 820 MW of wind energy, making it one of the largest corporate renewable energy purchases in the U.S.
  2. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction
    • Science-Based Targets: AT&T has set science-based targets to reduce its GHG emissions by 63% by 2030, relative to a 2015 baseline.
    • Fleet Management: Transitioning to more fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles in its fleet has helped AT&T lower its carbon footprint.
  3. Waste Management and Recycling
    • Device Recycling Programs: AT&T offers recycling programs for customers to return their old devices, ensuring proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste.
    • Zero Waste to Landfill: The company aims to achieve zero waste to landfill for its operations, with rigorous recycling and waste reduction practices.
  4. Water Conservation
    • Water Usage Reduction: Implementing water-efficient technologies and practices to minimize water use across its facilities.
    • Cooling Technologies: Using advanced cooling technologies in data centers to reduce water consumption significantly.
  5. Supplier Engagement and Sustainability
    • Sustainable Supply Chain: AT&T works closely with suppliers to ensure they adhere to sustainability standards, focusing on environmental performance and ethical practices.

Results and Statistical Information

  1. Energy Efficiency
    • AT&T's energy intensity (energy consumed per petabyte of data) decreased by nearly 60% from 2013 to 2019.
    • The company has invested over $135 million in energy efficiency projects from 2010 to 2019, yielding significant energy savings.
  2. Renewable Energy
    • AT&T's renewable energy purchases, including wind and solar, have reached over 1.5 GW.
    • By 2020, AT&T had signed agreements for renewable energy projects expected to produce more than 3.3 billion kWh annually.
  3. GHG Emissions
    • From 2015 to 2020, AT&T reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 10%, aligning with its longer-term targets.
    • The transition to a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet has resulted in a reduction of millions of pounds of CO2 emissions annually.
  4. Waste Management
    • In 2019, AT&T diverted more than 50 million pounds of network waste from landfills through recycling and reuse programs.
    • The company's device recycling program collected over 14 million devices for reuse and recycling in the same year.
  5. Water Conservation
    • AT&T's data centers implemented water-efficient cooling technologies that saved approximately 100 million gallons of water annually by 2019.

Economic Benefits

  1. Cost Savings
    • Energy efficiency projects have led to significant cost savings for AT&T. For example, their 2018 energy efficiency projects are projected to save more than $30 million over their lifetime.
    • Investments in renewable energy provide long-term cost stability against volatile energy prices.
  2. Operational Efficiency
    • Improved network efficiency and reduced energy consumption contribute to lower operational costs and enhanced performance.
    • Sustainable practices in supply chain management enhance the resilience and reliability of operations, reducing potential disruptions.
  3. Brand Value and Customer Loyalty
    • AT&T's commitment to sustainability enhances its brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.
    • Engaging in sustainable practices strengthens customer loyalty and opens new market opportunities in the growing green economy.
  4. Regulatory and Compliance Benefits
    • Proactively addressing environmental regulations and standards helps AT&T avoid potential fines and penalties, ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks.
    • Sustainable practices prepare AT&T for future regulatory changes and position the company as a leader in corporate responsibility.


In summary, AT&T's sustainable telecom initiatives are a comprehensive approach to reducing environmental impact while achieving economic benefits. Through strategic investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management, and water conservation, AT&T is making significant progress in its sustainability journey. The company's actions not only contribute to a healthier planet but also drive economic value through cost savings, operational efficiency, and enhanced brand reputation.