CIM: Are you one of the eight Germans in ten who, according to a study, would be willing to have a virtual or digital twin?
Michael Looschen: As a first step, that sounds rather promising. However, I firmly believe that in today’s world with its ever faster pace driven by the possibilities of digitisation, one of the most important factors for making the right decisions is your individual personality. And no double will help you there.
So what did the 20,000 visitors of Telekom Digital X in Cologne last October make of the digital twin, which is already being used in Industry 4.0 today?
They are absolutely fascinated, for example when competitors put this technology to profitable use. So, the guiding principle should always be that technology should serve humanity.
Which technology did you find the most fascinating?
Artificial intelligence is an area that is still in its infancy. I am looking forward to how it will develop in future, but also to many controversial discussions.
How strongly did the event focus on climate protection?
By 2030, our aim as Deutsche Telekom AG is to reduce carbon emissions per customer by 25 per cent compared to 2017. At Digital X 2019 we also showed many digital applications and products that contribute to this. Digitisation offers huge potential.
What role does sustainability play in the Group?
By 2021, we will achieve a 100 per cent use of electricity from renewable energy sources throughout the Group and will also reduce other emissions from gas, oil and other sources of energy. By 2030, our carbon emissions will be 90 per cent lower than in 2017. To achieve this, we have agreed on specific measures, developed measurement tools and implemented a group-wide environmental guideline. We are investing in efficient network technologies and optimising our data centres. Moreover, we are improving energy management in our buildings and have set clear carbon limits for our company fleet.
Telekom adheres to a code to ensure a sustainable supply chain. Does it also apply to Digital X?
As in all projects, we pay great attention to sustainability both when preparing and implementing Digital X. Via our smart conference platform, we enable attendees to take part digitally if they cannot come to Cologne.
What does ecologically sustainable event management mean to you?
Ecologically sustainable event management is crucial to us at all times, for example we often use live streams, WebEx conferences, telephone and video conferences to make events and meetings environmentally friendly and sustainable. However, face-to-face communication will always remain a major factor of internal and external corporate communication.
What initiatives make Digital X as green as possible?
According to our motto “Digitization. Simply. Make it Happen.” Invitations are sent by e-mail, and tickets don’t need to be printed anymore. In addition, we do completely without print materials and sampling and use digital media. All signage and our communication of the agenda is also purely digital. We only use state-of-the-art LED technology to minimise energy consumption for lighting. The stage sets are almost entirely rented. Our catering is regionally sourced, and the tableware is made of fully recyclable materials or china.
Thank you very much, Mr. Looschen.
Michael Looschen is Deutsche Telekom’s Vice President Marketing and Communication B2B and Digital X Project Manager.
