In an era of rapid climate change and environmental degradation, sustainability is paramount. Telekom Srbija Group is going an extra mile to stand as a symbol of innovation and responsibility in terms of sustainable and responsible operations. From integrating sustainability into its core business strategy to following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company is taking charge to reach a greener, more connected world.
At the heart of Telekom Srbija's operations lies a deep commitment to environmental conservation. Therefore, the company is working to reduce its carbon footprint and operate as an environmentally responsible entity. This is evident in the company's compliance to highest international sustainability standards, like ISO 14001:2015, as well as internal and independent sustainability audits aimed at helping their employees and suppliers to make sustainable choices.
A multidisciplinary team drawn from experts and internal team members, with the support of company’s management, established an environment protection management system, their largest standardisation project in 2022. The company devised programmes for the achievement of goals, including required resources, training, validations and functional improvement of the management system.
“We are committed to the consistent implementation of structural and technical measures for optimising energy consumption. We use state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technology, while also optimising hardware configurations through network virtualization to minimise energy use. This comprehensive and advanced approach helps us to achieve an optimal degree of energy efficiency”, said Vladimir Lučić, the Chief Executive Officer of Telekom Srbija.
Furthermore, the company adopted a Waste Management Plan and separates hazardous, non-hazardous and inert waste. Upon its classification, waste is handed over to authorised operators with prescribed tracking documents. Following this, the Environment Protection Agency is informed.
One of the key focus areas for Telekom Srbija is energy efficiency. For instance, their entire electric power is purchased directly from EPS (the Serbian electric power company), and it originates from renewable sources.
As a member of the UN Global Compact, Telekom Srbija embraces its responsibility to operate sustainably and contribute positively to society. Through various initiatives and projects, the company aims to address key SDGs, with a particular emphasis on investing in young people and education.
"Our focus on investing in young people and education reflects our commitment to creating a better, sustainable society for all. As a matter of fact, 67% of our budget for donations is dedicated for these purposes" said Mr. Lučić. "
Among the most prominent educational projects, the MTS App Competition, part of a programme called ‘We Initiate the Initiators’ actively encourages institutions and young people to make positive changes to their environment. The App Competition focuses on the design and contribution of new mobile applications which improve the utility of mobile devices, while demonstrating a socially responsible purpose.
At all times, Telekom Srbija Group leverages transformative digital technology to tackle environmental challenges and reduce its ecological footprint. Innovative applications allow them to monitor energy consumption and carbon footprints throughout the supply chain, while smart buildings optimise resource consumption and vehicle tracking.
Moreover, the company encourages employees to utilise technology to minimise travel, thereby reducing personal and collective carbon footprints. By facilitating remote connectivity and digital collaboration, Telekom Srbija empowers its employees to be more environmentally conscious.
One of initiatives under Telekom Srbija Group’s umbrella is for sure, the "No Species Dies Alone" project. This long-term biodiversity preservation effort was even recognized for its significant contribution to sustainability by the Serbian Chamber Of Commerce, as part of the National Award for Corporate Social Responsibility Đorđe Vajfert for 2022. Through financing expert field work, providing technical support, and educating the public, the project plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship.
Innovation is another core element in the strategy of Telekom Srbija Group. This is best reflected in the company establishing the TS Ventures Fund. By investing in disruptive and innovative startups, this Fund fosters technological advancements that contribute to sustainable development and positive societal change. The fund's focus on boosting growth of the startup ecosystem aligns with Telekom Srbija's vision of building a digital and sustainable future for Serbia.
“Telekom Srbija's proactive efforts in reducing their ecological footprint and fostering empowerment among their stakeholders bring tangible benefits to both the environment and society. By supporting Summit, they are confirming their mission towards sustainable development and innovation”, said CEO of Sustineri Partners and one of the organisers of the ESG Adria Summit 2024.
