News
The updated ESG strategy involves building greener networks and tackling digital exclusion
This week, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has revealed its ‘Responsible Business Plan’, its ESG blueprint for the next half of the decade.
Much of this strategy is a continuation or amplification of existing initiatives that were central to the 2022–2025 ESG strategy, the Better Connections Plan, which focussed on progressing towards a zero-carbon future, a circular economy, connected communities, and ‘a better way to do business’.
The updated Responsible Business Plan has distilled this into a snappier quartet: climate, connection, control, and circularity.
For ‘climate’, VMO2 is reiterating its goal of Scope 3 net zero carbon emissions goal for 2040, which will largely be achieved by using clean energy and building more efficient networks.
For ‘connection’, the company says it will support 500,000 low-income households to stay connected by 2030 via its low-cost social tariffs and data and device partnerships with the charities Good Things Foundation and Hubbub. It ill
For ‘control’, VMO2 says it will provide a range of tools to help keep families safe online, as well as “doubling down” on fraud prevention and security measures. A dedicated digital wellbeing strategy is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Finally, for ‘circularity’, VMO2 is aiming to double both the number of people recycling unwanted devices and those buying refurbished devices by 2030. The operator also says it is preparing to “champion a device reuse culture in 30 cities by 2030”, including supporting partner programmes.
“Our Responsible Business Plan is more than a strategy – it’s how we do business. It’s built into every decision we make, how we treat our customers and employees, and the products and services we provide to people across the country,” said Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2. “Whether it’s cutting carbon and working towards net zero, helping even more low-income households stay connected, or giving technology a second life – Virgin Media O2 is committed to being a trusted business and a force for good in people’s lives.”
In short, the new strategy largely appears to be more of the same from VMO2, but that is no bad thing.
The previous Better Connections Plan delivered significant results, including cutting Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 63% against its 2020 baseline, recycling more than four million devices, and helping connect more than one million people experiencing digital exclusion.
Let’s hope the Responsible Business Plan achieves even more.
Keep up to date with all the latest news with the Total Telecom newsletter
Also in the news
TELUS and L-SPARK give Canadian startups access to AI supercomputer
Belden to acquire RUCKUS Networks for $1.85bn
VMO2 taps Suffolk solar farm for 10 years of clean energy
