Virgin Media O2 reduced Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 23% last year – equivalent to emissions caused by the annual energy use of almost 15,000 (14,883) UK homes. The network & ISP giant is on track to meet its target to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% by 2025.
This mega milestone is just one area of Virgin Media O2’s comprehensive Better Connections Plan, launched in 2022. Since its inception, the company has successfully reduced emissions by 45% compared to its 2020 baseline, marching steadily towards its ultimate goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions across all operations, products, and supply chains by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK’s national target.
Virgin Media O2 isn’t just about protecting the environment; it’s also about empowering people and communities. Teaming up with Internet Matters and the Good Things Foundation, the company has positively impacted the digital skills of an astounding two million individuals in 2023 alone, with a goal to reach six million by 2025 and thanks to new initiatives like the National Databank, over 100,000 individuals now have internet access, especially in underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide.
In the sustainability arena, Virgin Media O2 is leading the charge with its “waste not, want not” approach. At the heart of this effort is the O2 Recycle program, which has recycled approximately a quarter of a million gadgets and devices since its inception. Additionally, the company has made strides in material sustainability, eliminating a significant 65 metric tons of plastic since January of last year. While there’s still work to be done on the issue of single-use plastic, it’s a commendable step forward.
Moreover, Virgin Media O2 employees are committed to giving back to society through employee volunteering. Over 100,000 hours of their time have been dedicated to various “meaningful causes” nationwide. The Take Five program channels these efforts towards addressing the pressing issue of loneliness by partnering with organizations like Sense, leveraging the collective power of the Virgin Media O2 workforce.
Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, said: “Our Better Connections Plan makes clear that we are a business that aims to deliver for our customers, for our communities and for our planet, and we made further strong progress across the board last year.
“We are on track to meet our targets to cut Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 60% by 2025 and deliver net zero carbon by 2040. We are supporting decarbonisation through the products and services we provide, encouraging circular actions among consumers, cutting our own use of plastic, and stepping up to support the communities we serve through initiatives designed to boost skills, tackle digital exclusion and provide free data and devices to those in need.
“As a major UK business, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact as we continue to provide fast and reliable connectivity to our millions of customers.”
