Climate Standard Fairtrade Climate Standard Telenor

Fairtrade Climate Standard is the first standard in the world for the certification of carbon offsets in the voluntary market that sets requirements for the buyer of credits. Those who commit to buying Fairtrade credits, above the equivalent of 1000 tons of CO2e, must, among other things, set a long-term reduction plan to reduce their emissions. Telenor is the first in Sweden to commit to the requirements of the standard.

What made you choose Faitrade-certified credits?

It's a journey we've been on, and it started more than 10 years ago when we began by saying we wanted to reduce our climate impact. Now that we have reached 80% reduction, we started thinking what the next step should be. What should we do now? Then someone said that we should start with carbon offsetting to put a price tag on the emissions that we have left to do something with. We got in touch with ZeroMission and we looked at different projects. Quite quickly we settled on Fairtrade, and I would say that this is mainly due to two factors. On the one hand, we work globally with social issues and SDG 10, "Reduced Inequalities", and on the other hand, we wanted to look locally and have the family in focus. People in the middle of life. With the projects we have chosen, we think we have done just that.

Carbon Offsetting with Multiple Benefits

You are the first in the world to take on the requirements of the standard, which include a reduction plan. Can you describe how this was done, and where you are today?

Carbon offsetting is a good tool to address our emissions, show what we have done and show what the next step will be. "What we did together with ZeroMission was to produce a map and see where our biggest emissions are. We look a lot at internal operations, but also suppliers and customers. We saw what impact we had in different parts of our business. This allowed us to quickly choose which areas we wanted to focus on to make the most impact. For us, practically, it's a very big impact if we can reduce our energy use, choice of energy sources, and choose how we can transport ourselves and also the products we use for our services.

Do you feel that carbon offsetting has provided any leverage internally?

Absolutely, it clarifies the operational decisions. There will be a higher price tag if we do not choose the most climate-smart alternatives. And that weighs in the balance when we make decisions.

How has this been received? Internally and externally?

So far, it's been nothing but positive. Internally, we are proud that we are doing something that is visible. Fairtrade is known in Sweden, so it's something the public can understand. Externally, many people come forward and ask what it takes to start. What do you need to do, and whether you need to be very far along in the process? I say no - you don't need to. You just need to start.

Magdalena Aspengren, Sustainability Manager Telenor Sweden

Telenor Sweden is part of the global Telenor, with operations in both Asia and the Nordic region. Telenor currently has 180 million customers and 18,000 employees worldwide.

Certified carbon offset

Do you have any questions about Fairtrade carbon offsetting and want to get in touch with us? Don't hesitate to get in touch with any of us at ZeroMission.

You are welcome to watch the seminar in full here.

Note: Since 2024, ZeroMission—like many others in our industry—has started using the term carbon offsetting of “climate compensation.” We believe this term better describes what it’s all about. Read more here.