Water & biodiversity

Water management

Water stress and access to clean water is a growing global problem. Tele2 acknowledges that fresh water is a scarce resource, and aims to foster responsible water stewardship in all its facilities. Through the water usage in its operations, the information and technology industry is a part of the problem, but can also be a part of the solution. Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technologies create opportunities to manage and monitor water supply and increase water efficiency to reduce the negative impacts on ecosystems, climate, and other environmental aspects. 

To identify more specific material topics related to water, Tele2 has analysed business activities and sites in its own operations through water risk assessments, and analysed business activities in its value chain through an industry analysis of the telecommunications industry to determine material impact, dependencies, risks and opportunities. 

Assessment of impacts, risks and opportunities 

Tele2 regularly assesses the impacts, risks and opportunities related to water usage in its own operations, with the latest being conducted in 2024. This covered Tele2’s largest sites and the majority of the company’s employees and included an assessment of water usage and climate-related risks to mitigate potential damage to ecosystems and infrastructure. The assessment considered the three aspects of water scarcity risk, water quality risk, and proximity to a water body, and was based on two water risk screening methodologies: the World Wildlife Fund Water Risk Filter and an evaluation of the proximity to the nearest water. The results of Tele2’s water risk assessment indicated a generally low risk at all assessed facilities, namely offices, data centers, and telecommunication infrastructure.  

Despite the limited impact and risk associated with water and marine resources in Tele2’s own operations, the company remains committed to further reducing water usage in its value chain. Potential negative impacts have been identified upstream in the supply chain, particularly in product manufacturing and raw material extraction. 

Negative impacts associated with the supply chain are significant, and Tele2 is actively addressing these concerns by engaging with its suppliers. Tele2 has gathered input from suppliers regarding the most water-intensive parts of their processes. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing, and Tele2 plans to continue conducting risk analyses related to water usage in product manufacturing and material sourcing.