Environmental Balance

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES AND APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

MegaFon’s operations do not cause direct significant damage to the environment, and we are not engaged in industries that pose a potential threat to the environment. We acknowledge the importance and top priority of environmental considerations in conducting our business, and we aim to make a contribution to ensuring a healthy life for future generations. With all the resources of a high-tech telecoms operator, we are well placed to support society’s progress towards achieving better energy efficiency, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing resources consumption.

ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY

When constructing base stations, we utilise advanced energy technologies to reduce power consumption and are gradually transitioning to alternative energy systems. As of now, 12 solar/wind power generators are installed in Russia: base stations using this type of power supply are best suited for areas where arranging a connection to external power sources or setting up diesel generators working 24/7 would not be economically viable or physically possible. Thanks to this innovative solution, our communications network can cover even the most remote settlements in Russia.

Thus, in 2011, 2013 and 2015, MegaFon commissioned four wind-powered base stations in the Murmansk region. All stations are equipped with wind generators that provide power supply for about 80% of the time. In 2014, we launched a base station powered by solar panels in Dagestan. Power is supplied to the station by 42 solar panels, each including 72 photovoltaic cells, that ensure reliable round-the-clock operation of communications equipment. Installation of an alternative power source helped resolve the issue of regular power cuts in the area and ensure the communication facility’s performance at 100% capacity. In the first year of the base station’s operation, MegaFon saved about RUB 1.5 m.

Along with construction of base stations using an environmentally friendly alternative power source, we are preparing to install balanced ventilation systems in base stations. Detailed testing of this system in different climate zones confirmed that it will enable us to cut annual electric energy costs by 20%.

By optimising our climate control equipment according to the season, using solar panels and also the natural cooling of base stations in the north of Russia, we save power and reduce thermal loss in winter. Installed climate control systems with air-conditioning unit rotation substantially extend the service life of our base stations by evening out equipment wear.

To reduce power consumption, our offices use heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems with recuperative heat-exchange and self-cooling functions. We are monitoring reasonable power consumption in our offices: lights and electrical appliances are switched off outside office hours, incandescent lamps are replaced with fluorescent lamps, and we have provided recommendations for employees on the reasonable use of energy.

ON THE WAY TO A GREEN SOCIETY

Our innovative user-friendly B2B and B2C products and solutions directly help our customers reduce energy costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, thanks to high-quality voice transmission and high-speed internet, many issues can be resolved over the phone and online, cutting fuel consumption for travelling by car and public transport, while video conferencing services and M2M solutions help corporate clients cut their air travel costs.

RESOURCE CONSERVATION

Year after year, we continue to reduce our environmental footprint through reasonable use of resources, in particular, water and paper, in the Company’s offices.

We decrease paper consumption through our Uniform Library module and the use of electronic documents and memo systems. We also promote day-to-day use of electronic-based communications instead of paper, and all our printers or photocopiers operate by default in a sustainable mode.