In line with this announcement, the company also confirmed that its 2030 carbon reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative which sets reductions required to keep warming to 1.5°C, formed as part of the Paris Agreement.
“Vodafone believes in leading by example, so today we have pledged to become fully ‘net zero’ by 2040 and the Science Based Targets initiative has confirmed that our 2030 carbon targets are in line with the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement,” said Nick Read, CEO, Vodafone Group.
By 2030, Vodafone has pledged to eliminate all carbon emissions from its own activities and from energy it purchases and uses, as part of its Scope 1 and 2 sources below. The company also promised that by 2030 it will halve carbon emissions from Scope 3 sources, including joint ventures, all supply chain purchases, the use of products it has sold and business travel.
Vodafone’s Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and targets:
| 2020 baseline | 2030 target | 2040 Net Zero target |
Scope 1 & 2 emissions | 1.84 million t CO2e | 100% reduction1 | 100% reduction |
Scope 3 emissions | 11.9 million tCO2e | 50% reduction | 100% reduction |
1. Includes 5% reduction through carbon offsets
“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.”
Lastly, by 2040 Vodafone will have eliminated Scope 3 emissions completely - bringing forward by ten years Vodafone’s original 2050 ambition to reach net zero across its full carbon footprint.
“The Carbon Trust is proud to have supported Vodafone in the creation of these ambitious targets aligned with the science and global ambitions required to keep global warming within 1.5°C,” added Tom Delay, chief executive at the Carbon Trust - developers of ICT sector pathway and technical support to Vodafone’s target development.
“This strategy will put Vodafone on a clear path to a 1.5°C future and will be at the forefront of a sector taking a clear leadership role in reducing their emissions and enabling others to do so as well.”
