Vodafone sets net-zero target for 2040

Iberdrola has installed more than 140 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Vodafone's key facilities in Spain

Vodafone will aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, through carbon reduction targets that have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative as in line with reductions required to keep warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.

The science-based targets will see Vodafone strive to eliminate carbon emissions from Scopes 1 and 2 – its own activities and energy procurement – and halve Scope 3 emissions, including joint ventures, supply chain purchases, the use of sold products and business travel.

The targets will set up the required decarbonisation rate to allow Vodafone to eliminate Scope 3 emissions completely by 2040 – ten years ahead of Vodafone’s original 2050 ambition to reach net-zero across its full carbon footprint.

Vodafone Group’s chief executive Nick Read said: “We are committed to reduce our carbon footprint through improved energy efficiency, renewable energy supply, reducing our network waste and new environmental criteria when we select suppliers. Vodafone will also enable our customers to reduce their environmental footprint through use of our services, including the Internet of Things.”

Energy savings

Vodafone has worked with facilities management firm Mitie to reduce its UK carbon footprint by 25,000 tonnes over a three-year period, with improvements to building-based energy use saving the technology firm around £10m. By working with Mitie, Vodafone UK has saved 100GW of energy over the three-year period which is equivalent to powering the homes of 65,000 people for a year. The organisation has also saved around £10m in energy-related costs as a result.

Vodafone has vowed to power its European network – spanning 11 national markets – with 100% renewable electricity by the end of July 2021. After joining the Climate Group’s RE100 initiative in 2018 and pledging to source 100% renewable electricity for its global operations by 2025, Vodafone revealed that it is on track to reach the 100% milestone in Europe within 12 months.

Around four-fifths of the energy used by Vodafone’s networks by July 2021 sourced through power purchase agreements (PPAs) and renewable tariffs. The majority of the remaining fifth will be covered by renewable energy guarantees of origin (REGO) certificates, as it is supplied to facilities let by landlords. A minority of the remaining fifth will be sourced from onsite generation arrays, predominantly solar.

Matt Mace