Virgin Media O2 is First UK Telecoms Provider to Gain Carbon Trust Certification

Broadband ISP and mobile network operator VMO2 (Virgin Media and O2) has just become the “first UK telecoms provider” to be recognised by the Carbon Trust for its action towards achieving Net Zero carbon emissions across its business (i.e. removing as many emissions as they produce).

The operator currently plans to cut carbon and to achieve Net Zero across its operations, products, and supply chain (Scopes 1,2 and 3) by the end of 2040. As part of that, they’ve just achieved the ‘Advancing’ level of the Carbon Trust’s Route to Net Zero Standard, which makes them one of only three businesses in the UK to receive the Advancing tier of the certification.

In addition to its plan to cut carbon emissions, Virgin Media O2 is also committing to reducing e-waste through various efforts (e.g. recycling and re-using old mobiles, routers, TV set-top-boxes etc.). Not to mention their re-use of materials to help build their newer FTTP and 5G networks.

Dana Haidan, VMO2’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“We’re proud Virgin Media O2 is one of the first companies in the UK to be recognised by the Carbon Trust for our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions across our business, operations, and supply chain by the end of 2040.

While this is an important step in our journey to become net zero, we know the climate crisis demands urgent action, and that’s why we’re going further for the planet, people and future generations with our sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan.

By using our leading gigabit broadband and 5G mobile networks, we will power sustainable tech across the country to support communities and businesses, and help people to lead greener and more connected lives.”

In terms of their carbon targets, they are as follows:

By the end of 2025, Virgin Media O2 will:

• Reduce operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 60%
• Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25%
• Neutralise operational emissions from 2025 onwards through investing in environmental restoration and long-term carbon storage projects which meet the highest standards

By the end of 2030, Virgin Media O2 will:

• Reduce operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 90%
• Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 50%

By the end of 2040, Virgin Media O2 will:

• Net Zero carbon across operations, products, and supply chain
• Reduce Scopes 1,2 and 3 emissions by 90%
• Offset residual 10% of value chain emissions to achieve net zero