Virgin Media O2 unveils Green Transition Plan for net zero

Virgin Media O2 has unveiled a Green Transition Plan setting out how it will reach net zero carbon emissions across its full value chain, including its broadband and mobile networks, by the end of 2040.

The telecoms group aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030. It says it has already reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% against its 2020 baseline.

The plan sets out measures on energy sourcing, network resilience and device reuse. Virgin Media O2 aims to source 100% carbon-free energy from UK sources while improving energy efficiency across its operations.

Alongside emissions targets, the plan places greater emphasis on preparing infrastructure for the effects of climate change. Virgin Media O2 wants to build and operate more climate-resilient broadband and mobile networks as part of a broader effort to reduce risk across the business.

Device reuse

A second strand of the plan focuses on extending the life of consumer technology. Virgin Media O2 aims to double the number of customers buying refurbished devices by 2030 and to double the number recycling unwanted devices through O2 Recycle over the same period.

It also wants to promote a device reuse culture in 30 UK cities by 2030. The work will build on its existing partnership with Coventry City Council, with devices reused locally and passed on to people who need them.

These measures form part of the group's wider environmental, social and governance strategy, which identifies climate and circularity as core priorities. The plan takes a broader view of the business, from how networks are built and run to what happens to products and devices after first use.

Virgin Media O2 says the transition plan is underpinned by 14 "transition levers" intended to help meet its targets. These include working with suppliers to cut carbon and waste from network and customer equipment, improving the energy efficiency of customer devices, and continuing to invest in networks that support the UK's net zero transition.

External support

The operator also pointed to areas where it believes outside support will be needed. Progress will depend in part on the decarbonisation of the UK electricity grid and on a government-led national strategy to enable the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets.

The announcement comes as large companies face growing pressure from investors, regulators and customers to show not only climate targets but also detailed plans for meeting them. Telecoms groups face particular scrutiny because of the energy demands of mobile and fixed networks, as well as the emissions linked to their supply chains and customer devices.

Virgin Media O2 serves around 46 million UK mobile connections and 5.8 million fixed-line customers. Its fixed network covers 18.8 million premises and its mobile network reaches 99% of the UK population, giving the company a broad operational footprint over which to apply the measures in the plan.

Dana Haidan outlined the company's position in a statement accompanying the plan. "Our Green Transition Plan is a milestone in Virgin Media O2's journey to become a more resilient, lower-carbon business. It's a long-term commitment backed by action across many interconnected areas as we work to reach net zero, give technology a second life and build and operate climate-resilient networks. Embedding responsible business into every decision Virgin Media O2 makes is key as we reduce our environmental impact, help protect the planet and keep our customers connected," said Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2.

Nigel Topping, Co-Founder of Ambition Loop and UN Climate Champion for COP26, welcomed the publication of the plan and linked it to wider corporate climate reporting expectations. "Credible climate transition plans are becoming a defining feature of responsible business leadership. What matters is not just ambition, but clarity on how targets will be delivered in practice, through transparent, accountable and measurable action across the whole value chain. At the same time, businesses must prepare for the physical impacts of the climate crisis, strengthening their resilience while reducing emissions. That's why I welcome Virgin Media O2's leadership in publishing a clear and robust Green Transition Plan. Plans like this help build confidence among investors, policymakers and the public that the transition is both achievable and underway," said Nigel Topping.