Telia Switches Sources All its Electricity from Renewable Sources

Sweden's Telia says is starting to operate its telecom and datacom networks and all other service production using only environmentally friendly "green power". Starting this month, all electricity consumed by Telia will come from renewable energy sources, such as wind, water, solar and biomass. Through this measure, the company expects to immediately reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 percent.

"We have a growing number of environmentally aware consumers and we want to give them the opportunity to also make a green choice for their telecom operator," says Erik Hallberg, head of Broadband Services at TeliaSonera Sweden. "Those who choose a green alternative are choosing to make a minimum impact on the environment and help reduce the greenhouse effect."

Telia has focused on reducing its environmental impact in recent years. Since 2001, the company has succeeded in reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 70 percent. This goal has been achieved by cutting down on business travel, increasing the use of services such as telephone conferences and network meetings via PC, reducing office space and now, by switching completely to green energy.

"It is surprising that more companies do not work actively to reduce their business travel. Companies have to become better at deciding if it is really necessary to make a business trip when it can preferably be replaced by a technological solution. In addition to doing the environment and future generations a favour, companies can save money as well as time that can be used more effectively by employees," says Erik Hallberg.

Posted to the site on 2nd October 2007