{"id":45981,"date":"2026-05-12T09:16:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T08:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ispreview.co.uk\/?p=45981"},"modified":"2026-05-12T09:16:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T08:16:49","slug":"virgin-media-o2-uk-sets-out-new-net-zero-focused-responsible-business-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ispreview.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/05\/virgin-media-o2-uk-sets-out-new-net-zero-focused-responsible-business-plan.html","title":{"rendered":"Virgin Media O2 UK Sets Out New Net Zero Focused Responsible Business Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Broadband and mobile operator Virgin Media<\/a> and O2<\/a> (VMO2) has today set out a new “Responsible Business Plan<\/em>” to 2030, which updates their approach to improving sustainability and social impact. In short, more support and new targets for tackling digital exclusion, reducing carbon emissions and greater recycling etc.<\/p>\n

The new targets are effectively a sequel to their previous “Better Connections Plan<\/em>“, which ran between 2022 and 2025. The previous plan helped to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 16% in 2025 and 63% in total against its 2020 baseline, prevented 61.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions from entering Earth\u2019s atmosphere, encouraged more than 12 million consumers to carry out \u2018circular actions\u2019 (e.g. recycling or buying refurbished devices), expanded 4G<\/a> mobile services as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN), helped to connect over 500,000 people via the National Databank (free mobile data SIMs) and much more.<\/p>\n

NOTE:<\/strong> VMO2 currently aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon<\/strong> (i.e. removing as many emissions as they produce) across their operations, products and supply chain by 2040 \u2013 10 years ahead of the UK’s goal.<\/div>\n

The new strategy focuses on the 2026 to 2030 period and pledges to embed their updated Environmental, Social, and Governance<\/strong> (ESG) plan into every aspect of the business, “taking greater ownership over the full lifecycle of its operations – from how its network is built and run, to the impact its products and services have on people\u2019s lives<\/em>“. This includes continuing to reduce the operator’s environmental impact, making connectivity accessible, supporting customers to navigate the digital world safely, and keeping technology in use for longer.<\/p>\n

Lutz Schu\u0308ler, CEO of Virgin Media<\/a> O2<\/a>, said: <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOur Responsible Business Plan is more than a strategy \u2013 it\u2019s how we do business.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s built into every decision we make, how we treat our customers and employees, and the products and services we provide to people across the country.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s cutting carbon and working towards net zero, helping even more low-income households stay connected, or giving technology a second life \u2013 Virgin Media<\/a> O2<\/a> is committed to being a trusted business and a force for good in people\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The full list of targets and actions can be found below, although it’s quite a generalised summary and does rehash a lot of what they’re already offering or doing.<\/p>\n

VMO2’s Responsible Business Plan – 2026 to 2030<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Climate \u2013 reducing the impact of our network <\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n

Virgin Media O2 will continue its journey to achieve net zero carbon emissions by the end of 2040 across its operations, products, and supply chain.  <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. This includes supporting the UK\u2019s energy transition by sourcing 100% carbon-free energy from UK sources and driving energy efficiency across its operations. <\/li>\n
  2. It will build and operate more climate-resilient broadband and mobile networks.  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    2. Connection \u2013 making connectivity accessible to all <\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n

    Virgin Media O2 will build on its industry-leading work to tackle digital exclusion by supporting 500,000 low-income households with connectivity that meets their critical needs by 2030. <\/p>\n

    This will be underpinned by Virgin Media O2\u2019s ongoing measures to help people experiencing hardship stay connected. This includes: <\/p>\n