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Telkom renews sustainability commitment as world marks Earth Day

JOHANNESBURG, 21 April 2023 – As the world prepares to mark Earth Day, Telkom has renewed its commitment to minimising the environmental impact of its operations through implementing practical sustainability enhancements and recycling initiatives.

On 22 April, people in 193 countries take part in the annual Earth Day celebration – a day dedicated to raising awareness on climate change and finding eco-friendly, sustainable ways to protect the planet and its resources.

"Climate change threatens the very survival of humanity,” says Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong. “Its effects are felt by every person on the planet, regardless of race, class, or economic status. At Telkom, we take our environmental responsibilities extremely seriously. Earth Day is an opportunity to take stock of the progress we have made and to renew our commitment to our planet."

Telkom has adopted a holistic approach to meeting its sustainability commitments, with multiple initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change. The organisation aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and produce net-zero emissions by 2040.

As part of Telkom’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and implementing environmentally friendly processes, the group has made several changes to its operations, including:

• Optimised heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) at its buildings
• Introduced paperless delivery systems
• Deployed power-factor correction systems
• Improved battery technologies and smart metering
• Introduced smart lighting and sensors
• Commissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) energy plants at its Telkom Park and Bellville offices

In addition to these initiatives, Telkom is developing solutions and partnerships to reduce e-waste through the Thembani Project, in partnership with Sindawonye Recycling. This project, in Bedford, Eastern Cape, has successfully recycled more than 1 800 tonnes of e-waste .

“The Telkom Group aspires to achieve an effective, efficient, and equitable balance between social, environmental, and economic considerations,” says Taukobong. “We believe that by doing so, we can promote sustainable development and meet the challenges presented by climate change. The values of Earth Day are values that we practise every day.”

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