ATC Ghana is reaffirming its commitment to responsible, equitable, and sustainable connectivity, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Global Compact Principles on Environment.
The company's focus remains on providing critical digital infrastructure while operating sustainably.
In a statement released in Accra, the company's 2022 sustainability report highlighted its progress in three key sustainability pillars: Environment, Social, and Governance.
ATC Ghana has adopted a business model that minimizes its environmental impact and seeks to contribute to combatting climate change.
The company's sustainability strategy includes a three-pronged approach to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy procurement, and on-site generation, as well as sophisticated energy storage.
To ensure measurable progress, ATC Ghana has established GHG emissions reduction goals approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
These targets aim to reduce absolute scope one, two, and three GHG emissions by 40 percent by 2035 compared to a 2019 baseline.
ATC Ghana's efforts to reduce emissions are already bearing fruit. In 2022, the company reduced direct emissions (scope 1) by 11 percent since 2019.
The company's investments in renewable solutions and energy reduction initiatives in Africa, totaling approximately $345 million since 2018, have led to a significant decrease in on-site diesel consumption, estimated at 43.5 million liters annually.
In Ghana, ATC Ghana is actively deploying solar equipment to provide backup power, reducing carbon emissions from its sites. Around 80 percent of the company's sites already have solar backup power, with plans to increase this proportion in the coming years.
The company is also dedicated to responsible waste management, recycling used oil and batteries from its sites to prevent improper disposal and mitigate soil and water pollution.
ATC Ghana is actively participating in global efforts to conserve, restore, and grow one trillion trees by 2030 as part of the World Economic Forum's 1t.org initiative. In 2022, the company supported the planting of over 260,000 trees worldwide, with employees volunteering for tree-planting activities.
In Ghana, ATC Ghana aligns with government initiatives on afforestation, planting approximately 200 trees since 2021 to promote ecosystem well-being.
These sustainability initiatives support customers in achieving their climate targets.
Solar energy remains a key focus for ATC Ghana as a readily available renewable option, although the company continues to explore additional alternatives to meet its sustainability goals.
ATC Ghana's substantial investments and prioritization of sustainability initiatives underscore its dedication to transitioning the telecommunications industry toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.
Reporting by GNA: Editing by Adewale Adejoke