Swisscom bases its approach on scientific findings using the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodology. To achieve a net zero target that complies with the new SBTi requirements, companies must reduce 90% of their emissions before the remaining 10% can be neutralised through negative emissions. Taking into account the framework conditions, Swisscom as a group has committed itself to net zero and has set itself an ambitious target for 2035 in accordance with SBTi. 

Until now, we have used a ‘ton-for-ton’ approach, whereby we have ‘offset’ our product-related carbon footprint using carbon avoidance and removal certificates. To support the scaling of the CDR market, we are now pursuing a ‘money-for-tonne’ approach, which sets our budget based on a sterling price for each tonne of CO₂ we directly emit (Scope 1+2) over the next ten years. The difference to the previous approach is that we no longer offset our carbon footprint 1:1 with the same number of tonnes of carbon certificates, but instead use a fixed amount of money to support projects and companies that are driving the global net-zero transformation. Our new approach allows us to invest more broadly, as we can now invest not only in CO₂ removal certificates but also in companies, research and nature conservation projects. In doing so, we are following our guiding principle: ‘We take responsibility for our ongoing direct emissions now, engaging beyond our value chain while supporting the scale-up of the CDR market.’

The CDR market comprises all players involved in the purchase of carbon removal certificates. This includes companies that develop negative emission technologies (e.g. Climeworks), standards (e.g. Gold Standard), consulting firms (e.g. South Pole), trading marketplaces (e.g. Ceezer), brokers (e.g. ClimeFi), measuring, reporting and verification auditors (e.g. Carbonfuture), buyers (e.g. Microsoft, Swisscom or Switzerland) and others. 

Negative emissions are measures that specifically remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it permanently in order to stabilise the climate. They are necessary to achieve global climate targets, in particular to offset residual emissions that are unavoidable despite significant emission reductions. Methods include nature-based solutions such as reforestation and improved soil management, as well as technical approaches such as biochar production and accelerated rock weathering. 

Negative emission technologies (NETs) play a crucial role on the path to net zero; they represent the ‘net’ in net zero, so to speak, by neutralising residual emissions that cannot yet be reduced or are very difficult to reduce. The process of capturing CO₂ from industrial waste gases and storing it (carbon capture and storage, CCS) can also make an important contribution here.