Zen Internet Aims to be First Net Zero UK Broadband ISP by 2028

UK ISP Zen Internet, which is certified as a B Corporation, has today announced that they’re pledging to become the first of the main broadband providers to reach Net Zero by 2028, which essentially means that the company will be removing as many carbon emissions as they produce.

The UK Government has committed to achieve Net Zero by 2050, although many people fear this will be too late to reverse the environmental impact that climate change is having. The scientific consensus suggests that a 1.5°C increase in global average temperatures is the limit to minimise the worst effects of climate change, but it’s predicted that such a limit will be reached by 2030 – one recent study suggested there’s a 40% chance we’ll hit that as early as 2025.

Just for comparison, Sky (Sky Broadband etc.) hopes to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, while BT (EE) expects to do this by 2045 and Virgin Media has aligned itself with the RE100 initiative’s general 2050 target. As for mobile operators, O2 are being a bit bolder and hope to be one of the first to reach this point by 2025 (we’re unsure if this will change after their merger with Virgin Media), while Vodafone target 2040.

Paul Stobart, CEO of Zen Internet, said:

“It is really important to us at Zen that while we run our business we also strive to make a positive difference to the world, rather than focusing solely on profits. Achieving B Corp certification in 2020 was a massive part of this, and our pledge to be the first broadband provider to reach Net Zero is the logical next step in our journey.

We’re under no illusions that this commitment will involve a huge amount of work within the business, but it’s something that we’re passionate about and for us it’s non-negotiable. We want to show the industry that it’s possible to be a successful business without neglecting our social responsibilities.”

Becoming Net Zero involves measuring Zen’s carbon footprint in line with the three scopes defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), most of which is already underway. Following the measurement, a reduction plan will be implemented, and any remaining emissions will then be offset through positive projects that remove carbon from the environment, such as reforestation and soil enhancement programmes.

Where possible, Zen said they will aim to support projects that also tie in with their wider Sustainable Development Goals.