One New Zealand has released its sustainability report for the year 2026, and the telecommunications firm has become the first-ever organization to report on climate change based on science-based targets. In the report, One New Zealand provides information regarding progress in terms of lowering greenhouse gas emissions, utilizing renewable energy, and e-waste management in the course of developing its network.

Science Based Targets initiative is responsible for validating climate targets that are set by corporations to see how their emissions reduction targets conform to science. In line with its validated climate targets, One New Zealand plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 42% by 2030.

As per the report, the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of One New Zealand have reduced by 82% by the end of the 2026 financial year. The Scope 3 emissions, which encompass indirect emissions in the value chain, have decreased by 13%.

The report also highlights efforts to reduce electronic waste. More than 26,000 mobile devices were processed through the company's trade-in programme during the financial year, representing a 50% increase compared with the previous year. In addition, over 90,000 kilograms of electronic waste generated through network upgrades were processed, with 99% diverted from landfill.

Alongside its environmental initiatives, the company continued expanding its telecommunications infrastructure. It invested more than NZ$100 million in improving network resilience, completing around 250 new mobile sites and network upgrades across New Zealand.

The report states that network data traffic increased by more than 28% during the year, while total energy consumption rose by 26%. The company attributed part of this outcome to artificial intelligence-based network optimisation, which was used to improve operational efficiency as demand for digital services increased.

In addition to initiatives aimed at combating climate change, the report highlights ongoing funding for community programmes via the Te Rourou charity and cybersecurity tools, which have prevented over 12 million threats throughout the reporting period.

One New Zealand’s Sustainability Report until 2026 gives insights into how the company incorporates emissions reductions, renewables and resource management into its processes while developing digital infrastructure.