O2 makes new environmental commitments

The company says it already uses renewable electricity (primarily from wind and hydro-power) on the sites it owns, which means approximately 70 per cent of its network runs on renewable energy, but it will take this a step further by asking landlord operated sites to switch to renewable energy sources. O2 intends to incentivise landlords by offering a discounted tariff via its UK energy supplier.

It will also work with the wider Telefonica Group to implement more ambitious carbon reduction targets to encourage suppliers to accelerate their efforts to reduce emissions. These efforts tie into an aim to reduce supply chain emissions by 30% by 2025.

Mark Evans, O2's CEO, said, “Today, we’re putting a stake in the ground. We want to go further and faster, setting the bar in our industry to tackle climate change and build the greenest network for our customers. Every office, every store, every mast. We will get the changes done to be a net zero business by 2025. Mobile can play a pivotal role to make our country more sustainable. From smart metering to smarter working. O2 will work with suppliers, partners and customers to ensure that this industry plays its part in delivering a greener country for us all.”