AT&T sustainability score: 41/100

AT&T reports complete Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions following GHG Protocol with annual limited independent assurance from ERM CVS under ISAE 3000. Absolute emissions declined from 8.8M MT CO2e in 2015 to approximately 4.2M MT CO2e in 2023, demonstrating consistent year-on-year reductions with granular source breakdown.

AT&T reports Scope 3 emissions (68.8% of total in 2024) with 17% year-on-year reduction. Supplier engagement programme achieved 55% of suppliers by spend setting science-based targets, exceeding the 50% SBTi target two years early. Scope 3 receives independent assurance but lacks formal absolute reduction target.

AT&T achieved 52% absolute reduction in Scope 1+2 emissions from 2015 baseline (8.8M to 4.2M MT CO2e by 2023), reaching 82% of SBTi target. Scope 3 declined 17% year-on-year in 2024. Copper-to-fiber transition projects 740,000 MT CO2e savings through 2028, but fleet emissions may increase due to heavier service vehicles.

AT&T ranks 5th on EPA Green Power Partnership and sourced over 3.0 million MWh annually from wind and solar via virtual PPAs. Two new Enbridge contracts signed in 2024. Not an RE100 member and has not committed to 100% renewable energy. Renewable energy acquired through RECs rather than direct physical supply; minimal on-site generation.

AT&T has a paper procurement policy targeting 90% FSC/SFI-certified paper and tower construction compliance protocols. No TNFD disclosure, no quantified nature footprint, and no deforestation-free commitment beyond paper. Telecommunications infrastructure (towers, fiber) poses moderate habitat impact but disclosure and management remain minimal.

AT&T tracks domestic waste including recycled, landfill, composted, and hazardous streams. Delivered 413 million paperless billing statements in 2024. Fiber buildout caused waste to increase due to network element decommissioning. No formal circularity targets or closed-loop systems disclosed; supplier sustainability requirements embedded in procurement.

AT&T consumed 9.59 million cubic meters of water in 2024, almost entirely from municipal sources. Water footprint assessments conducted since 2010; 250 facilities tracked in high/extremely-high drought areas. 18% of domestic consumption is water-stressed. Implemented ElectroCell cooling and smart irrigation. No formal reduction targets published; water not considered material by company.

AT&T has SBTi-validated near-term targets: 63% absolute Scope 1+2 reduction by 2030 from 2015 base (1.5°C aligned) and carbon neutrality for Scope 1+2 by 2035. Scope 3 supplier engagement target achieved ahead of schedule. No Scope 3 absolute reduction target. 2035 neutrality may include offsets for residual emissions.

AT&T appointed Chief Sustainability Officer and established Corporate Responsibility Governance Council. Governance and Policy Committee held five scheduled meetings in 2024. Reports per GRI, SASB, TCFD standards. Emissions receive limited independent assurance. Scored 100% 'Trendsetter' on CPA-Zicklin political spending transparency index 2021–2025.

AT&T settled $23.8M California hazardous waste case in 2016. InfluenceMap shows mixed climate lobbying: supports Clean Cars II and carbon tax, but defended HB 2127 in Texas to block local natural resource regulations and advocated for high-GHG energy mix policies. US Chamber of Commerce member (opposes ambitious climate policy). No lobbying alignment audit published; undisclosed state chamber memberships.