“TELUS has advanced to the 21st position on Corporate Knights’ 2026 Global 100 list of the most sustainable corporations worldwide, marking a notable rise from 46th in the previous year. This achievement underscores the company’s progress in digital health innovations, energy efficiency enhancements, and significant emissions reductions, while enabling customers to avoid over 1.4 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent through its technologies.”
TELUS’s Sustainability Performance in the 2026 Rankings
The 2026 edition of the Global 100 emphasizes not just the proportion of sustainable revenues and investments but also the momentum in growing those sustainable aspects, weighting each metric equally in the scoring. This shift rewards companies demonstrating rapid progress in aligning their business models with environmental and social goals. For TELUS, a major player in telecommunications, this translates to recognition for its integration of technology in areas like virtual healthcare, smart agriculture, and IoT-driven energy management, which collectively contribute to broader ecological benefits.
In the assessment of nearly 7,000 public companies generating over $1 billion in annual revenues, TELUS stood out for its “nature-accretive” approach. This strategy goes beyond minimizing harm by actively regenerating ecosystems through initiatives such as forest restoration and biodiversity enhancement. The company’s efforts have positioned it as the highest-ranked telecom firm on the list, reflecting a holistic commitment that balances operational efficiency with positive environmental impact.
Key Sustainability Initiatives Driving the Ranking
TELUS has implemented a range of programs that directly influence its sustainability score. One cornerstone is its push toward renewable energy procurement, achieving 100% renewable or low-emitting sources for electricity needs by the end of 2025. This milestone supports a broader target of reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46% from 2019 levels by 2030, with current progress showing a 38% reduction already.
In emissions avoidance, TELUS’s technologies play a pivotal role. Through digital health platforms, precision agriculture tools, and smart energy solutions, the company enabled customers to sidestep more than 1.4 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024 alone. For instance, virtual healthcare reduces the need for physical travel, while Agtech applications optimize resource use in farming, cutting waste and emissions. Additionally, TELUS’s circular economy practices have kept over 15 million devices out of landfills through repair, repurposing, and recycling programs.
Water conservation is another focus area, with a 49% reduction in consumption intensity per terabyte of data traffic since 2019. These metrics highlight how TELUS leverages its network infrastructure to drive efficiency across industries, from healthcare to transportation.
Financial Implications for Investors
As a NYSE-listed stock under the ticker TU, TELUS’s sustainability credentials offer tangible value for U.S. investors seeking ESG-aligned opportunities. The company’s current share price hovers around $13.36 to $13.37, following a previous close at $13.31 with intraday highs reaching $13.58. Trading volume exceeded 10.8 million shares in the last session, indicating solid liquidity.
This ranking bolsters TELUS’s appeal in sustainable investing portfolios, where funds increasingly prioritize companies with strong momentum in green revenues. TELUS’s sustainable segments, including digital health and IoT, are growing faster than traditional telecom services, potentially enhancing long-term profitability. With annual revenues surpassing $16 billion and 15.2 million customer connections, the firm’s ESG focus could mitigate risks from regulatory pressures on carbon emissions and attract capital from impact-oriented funds.
Analysts note that such recognitions often correlate with improved stock resilience during market volatility, as sustainable practices reduce exposure to environmental fines and supply chain disruptions.
Peer Comparison and Industry Benchmarks
Within the telecommunications sector, TELUS leads in sustainability metrics compared to global peers. For context, the Global 100’s top performers across industries set a high bar:
| Rank | Company | Country | Sector | Key Sustainable Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ERG SpA | Italy | Power Generation | 100% sustainable revenue and investment |
| 2 | Pandora A/S | Denmark | Manufacturing | 40.1% sustainable revenue momentum |
| 3 | EDP Renováveis SA | Spain | Power Generation | 99.5% sustainable revenue ratio |
| 4 | Fluence Energy, Inc | U.S. | Machinery | 50% sustainable revenue momentum |
| 5 | Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp | Taiwan | Transportation | High sustainable investment ratio |
| 9 | Ørsted | Denmark | Renewables | Strong emissions reduction focus |
| 21 | TELUS | Canada | Telecommunications | Digital solutions enabling emissions avoidance |
TELUS’s 21st place outpaces many U.S.-based telecoms, which often lag in renewable energy adoption. Competitors like AT&T and Verizon have made strides in energy efficiency but trail in avoided emissions impact through customer-facing technologies. This positioning gives TELUS a competitive edge in attracting partnerships for smart city projects and sustainable supply chains.
Broader Impact on Communities and Ecosystems
TELUS extends its sustainability beyond metrics through community investments. The $100 million Pollinator Fund for Good supports startups in cleantech, health, and agriculture, fostering innovation that aligns with global sustainability goals. In nature restoration, TELUS partners on technology-enabled projects that monitor and enhance biodiversity, such as using AI for forest health assessments.
These efforts contribute to social outcomes, including improved access to healthcare in underserved areas via telehealth and reduced environmental footprints for businesses adopting TELUS’s IoT platforms. By focusing on regenerative practices, TELUS ensures its growth supports long-term ecosystem resilience, appealing to stakeholders prioritizing ethical corporate behavior.
Strategic Outlook for TELUS in a Sustainable Economy
Looking ahead, TELUS’s trajectory in the Global 100 suggests continued emphasis on scaling sustainable revenues. With the list’s new momentum metric rewarding growth rates, the company is well-poised to climb further by expanding its digital ecosystem. Investments in 5G networks enable more efficient data transmission, further lowering energy intensity, while expansions into smart buildings and precision farming could amplify avoided emissions.
For U.S. audiences, TELUS represents a cross-border opportunity in ESG investing, combining stable telecom dividends with forward-looking green initiatives. As global regulations tighten on corporate sustainability reporting, TELUS’s proactive stance positions it for sustained value creation.
Disclaimer: This news report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or endorsements.
