Environment

Improving the measure of our ecological footprint and dealing with climate change

At TELUS, we continually strive to improve our environmental performance and better understand our ecological footprint. In 2008, we focused our strategy on developing progressive environmental standards, policies and meaningful targets. Our core focus was to more closely align our environmental management system (EMS) with ISO 14001:2004 standards and to have a complete TELUS climate change strategy ready to implement in 2009.

By the end of 2008, we had successfully closed approximately 65 per cent of the gaps identified between our EMS and the ISO 14001:2004 standard, missing our stated target of 80 per cent. We had challenges predicting the scope, timing and resources needed to achieve this objective. Given available resources and the current economic climate, our goal for 2009 is to develop and begin implementation of the remaining EMS gap closure plan, focusing specifically on our Human Resources business unit. As a medium-sized, enabling business unit responsible for all major real estate functions, Human Resources was identified as the most suitable place to begin detailed implementation. Our long-term goal remains to have the entire company in a position to be certified by the end of 2013.

In 2008, one of TELUS' key environmental objectives was to develop a meaningful climate change strategy. Due to a variety of factors, we faced challenges garnering a complete understanding of our carbon footprint and how to mitigate our impact. However, the realization of the breadth of scope resulted in the inclusion of increased internal stakeholder input and expert external consultation. Because of this, we were able to better understand TELUS' energy use profile, carbon footprint and measures needed to make meaningful CO₂ emission reductions, including core in-house efficiency programs, internal education and green power purchase in geographical areas where fossil fuels are used for electricity generation.

Although we missed completing the strategy in 2008, the opportunity for greater input and extending our timeline has made for more meaningful reduction targets in energy consumption moving forward. In 2009, we intend to finalize our absolute reduction targets and begin communicating them. In addition, we will continue to track and seek to improve our efficiency, both in terms of energy consumption and CO₂ generation, as it relates to our ability to generate revenue.

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