6.7.2023
- Environmental protection: 100% electricity from RES, 55% reduction in CO2 emissions, 81% reduction in waste, 7.6% reduction in energy consumption, 20% reduction in paper consumption
- Circular economy: 339,778 electronic devices collected
- Digitalization: 231 million EUR investments, more than 2 million people covered by 5G, fiber optics for 100,000 additional households, STEM education in more than 140 educational institutions
The 2022 Sustainability Report of Hrvatski Telekom published
Hrvatski Telekom has published the Sustainability Report 2022, which it has been publishing as a frontrunner in sustainability for 19 years. The report shows the significant progress it achieves yearly regarding sustainable development and social responsibility, which are an integral part of HT Group's business and development.
Hrvatski Telekom's strategic approach to sustainability is based on three key activity areas: climate change, resource efficiency, and digital inclusion.
The first of the climate goals has already been achieved, and HT has been using 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources for more than two years. Other actively managed goals are a net zero rate of greenhouse gas emissions for direct and indirect energy consumption within the organization by 2025, a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain by 55% by 2030 compared to 2020, and a net zero rate of greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain by 2040.
In the observed three-year cycle, from 2020 to 2022, Hrvatski Telekom successfully reduced total greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 55% (8230 tons of CO2 emissions less), the amount of waste by 81% (1869 tons), energy consumption by 7.6 %, and paper consumption by 20% (7 tons). In 2022, the first corporate vPPA agreement of this type was signed in Croatia, which satisfied a significant amount of future electricity needs from renewable sources. Through award-winning smart city solutions and a network of more than 250 e-charging stations in more than 90 cities, which enabled about 1,800 tons of CO2 not to be released into the air, HT contributed to increasing the quality of life, preserving the environment, and "green" mobility.
HT Group has a holistic approach to responsible use of resources and applying circular economy principles. Accordingly, in 2022, a record 339,778 various electronic devices were collected and disposed of responsibly. The goal of complete disposal of HT's technological waste was fully met, sustainable packaging was introduced for almost all of HT's products, and the goal of increasing the rate of returned mobile devices compared to those sold in the previous year was successfully achieved. Even more ambitious goals were set for the coming years.
Hrvatski Telekom again had the largest investments in Croatia's digitalization, 231 million euros in 2022 and 708 million euros in the past three years. The further development of the 5G network, which covers 100 cities and more than two million people, continued, as did the expansion of the optical network, already by far the largest in Croatia. It covered 100,000 new households in 2022 alone, with a plan to cover 1 million households. Both industry standards awarded HT as a network of the highest quality - the Ookla award for the best mobile and fastest 5G network and the umlaut award for the best fixed and mobile network. The company was also recognized as the best mobile network in HAKOM's survey. Investments in the network and customer care led to the highest customer satisfaction in the company's history.
Digital inclusion is an essential aspect of Hrvatski Telekom's social activities. Through the Generation NOW program, HT has invested almost 650 thousand euros in STEM education for children and young people, with more than 360 educational institutions participating in the program so far, more than 140 in 2022 alone. The national digital Generations Together educational program expanded and, at the end of the year, included 54 nursing homes throughout Croatia.
Employee engagement reached a record level last year, and as part of a comprehensive career path, 1,000 employees progressed in their careers in 2022 alone, and almost 128,000 hours of education and training were held. Thanks to numerous initiatives, HT was the most awarded employer in 2022, the status of Employer Partner was confirmed, and it was recognized as one of the most desirable employers in Croatia.
When it comes to corporate governance, HT received the highest rating in HANFA's annual report on corporate governance. For the third consecutive year, it won the "Share of the Year" award from the Zagreb Stock Exchange and the "Top Turnover Share" award. On the international level, HT is recognized as one of the most ethical companies in the world, which is the first time a Croatian company has received such recognition. It was also included in the prestigious list of European climate leaders and again deserved recognition by Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development.
For Hrvatski Telekom, sustainability is more than achieving ambitious ESG goals. Sustainability is about creating opportunities for economic development and social progress and our commitment and contribution to building a sustainable future for all.