What are Nokia’s SBTi-Approved Net Zero Targets for 2040?

Nokia has announced that its 2040 net zero target has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), marking a significant milestone in the company’s climate strategy.

The Finnish telecommunications giant has committed to reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030 and by 90% by 2040, using 2019 as the baseline year.

The SBTi’s validation is a notable endorsement of Nokia’s efforts, as science-based targets provide a framework to help businesses align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C trajectory.

“The science on climate change is clear. We must reduce the rise in global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels this decade to have a sustainable future for the planet and people,” says Subho Mukherjee, Vice President & Global Head of Sustainability at Nokia.

Sustainability in the technology sector

While digitalisation can drive sustainability gains across industries, the ICT sector itself is responsible for approximately 4% of global energy consumption and 2% of carbon emissions.

Nokia acknowledges this dual impact, positioning its net zero strategy as both a business necessity and a commitment to mitigating climate risks.

“Our new emission reduction targets show that net zero is a business priority for Nokia,” says Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia.

“We already help our telecoms customers to decarbonise by building sustainable, high-performance networks, and we work with a rapidly growing range of enterprise partners to reduce emissions and improve productivity

“That journey will only accelerate, as Nokia launches more energy efficient solutions in next generation mobile, fixed, IP and optical networks and in software, silicon and systems. 

“By committing to net zero by 2040 we build on our previous climate targets as we look to create technology that helps the world act together.”

Accelerating operational decarbonisation

Beyond its SBTi-approved targets, Nokia has also announced plans to fully decarbonise its Scope 1 and 2 emissions—covering its own operations and purchased electricity—by 2030.

The company was an early mover in setting climate targets, having been the first telecoms vendor to secure SBT validation in 2017.

In 2021, it recalibrated its goals in line with the 1.5°C scenario, committing to a 50% emissions reduction by 2030.

Progress in reducing operational emissions has been steady, and the decision to accelerate decarbonisation reflects positive momentum.

Nokia’s strategy includes energy efficiency measures, increased use of renewable electricity and improved operational efficiencies across its global facilities.

Scope 3 emissions are still a huge challenge for Nokia, but the team has been recognised for its leadership in tackling that challenge.

In February 2025, the company secured the top position in ABI Research’s competitive ranking for Scope 3 emissions management, outperforming other major telecoms vendors in both implementation and innovation.

Exploring carbon removal solutions

Alongside emissions reductions, Nokia is also looking at carbon removal solutions to address residual emissions that are difficult to eliminate.

The company has announced a pilot programme for Q1 2025, which will involve purchasing, receiving and retiring carbon removal credits.

The initiative will be focused on neutralising the carbon footprint of Nokia’s real estate operations in Finland, where its headquarters are based.

Subho emphasised that removals will play a supplementary role rather than replacing emissions reductions.

“To complement our focus on carbon emissions reduction, credible, permanent carbon removals and storage will be required to neutralise some residual hard-to-abate emissions to reach net zero,” he says.

The road ahead

Nokia’s net zero pathway is underpinned by product innovation, operational efficiency and governance mechanisms that integrate climate targets into business performance.

The company has also linked long-term employee incentives to climate targets, ensuring that sustainability remains embedded in decision-making processes.

Further details of its climate transition plan will be published in Q2.

As corporate net zero commitments continue to grow—now covering 78% of global GDP and 76% of global emissions—Nokia’s validation by SBTi places it among a cohort of companies aligning their strategies with scientific guidance.

“The journey to net zero is a collaborative one,” Subho says. 

“We are grateful to our customers, partners, suppliers and employees who all contribute to the integration of our climate journey into our technology.”

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