The broadband and technology provider has set out its ‘Five in Five’ goals as part of a new sustainability strategy for 2020.

Virgin Media will aim to expand its ultrafast broadband to 4 million more premises without increasing its carbon footprint.

The company says it will reach this ‘Project Lighting’ target by investing in energy efficiency measures for its network, increasing its fleet fuel-efficiency and exploring options for on-site renewable energy.

As well as its environmental goals, Virgin Media’s ‘Five in Five’ plan includes giving 100,000 small businesses the ability to grow through digital technology, improving the sustainability of consumer products and diversifying its workforce.

Power and people

Virgin Media chief corporate affairs officer Brigitte Trafford said: “We have the power, the people and the ambition to change lives. Virgin Media is committed to delivering our five goals over the next five years proving the positive impact that technology can have on society and the environment.”

The new sustainability strategy is Virgin Media’s first since its acquisition by global cable and telecoms company Liberty Global. The parent company announced earlier this week it had made carbon efficiency improvements of 31% and improved energy efficiency by 34%.

Last year Virgin Media confirmed it was failing to meet its carbon emissions targets of cutting emissions by 15% by 2015. The company had increased overall emissions by 2.6% since 2007, however the media company said its performance was affected by the firm’s rapid growth.

Virgin Media said it had experienced an increase in demand for data of 50% in recent years and had been working to increase network speeds.

The company said it had been driving energy efficiency measures in spite of the growth, with its main offices driving 11% reductions in energy use.

The Five in Five goals

  1. Transform the lives of disadvantaged people in the UK through digital technology.
  2. Give 100,000 small businesses the ability to thrive in the UK’s economy through digital.
  3. Expand ultrafast broadband to 4m more premises without increasing its carbon footprint.
  4. Nurture a workforce which represents the diversity of its customers and communities
  5. Improve the sustainability performance of every new customer product

Matt Field

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