The net zero emissions target applies to all operations across the group and its subsidiaries by 2030 and will encompass the wider value chain by 2040. The global data centre division will be 100% powered by renewable sources by 2030 "as an urgent priority", predominantly wind and solar building on the firm's existing renewable energy projects.
Dubey (pictured) said: “As one of the largest technology companies in the world, we have an obligation to make the world a more sustainable place. Employees, customers and partners are demanding that companies become more purpose-led. This is core to our NTT heritage, and I am incredibly proud to be announcing our commitment to reach net zero emissions and broader strategic sustainability goals. This is a significant step for us, which will see NTT using technology not only to help the world become more sustainable, but also to be connected long into the future. We will continue making investments in technology, people and programs to achieve these goals.”
with nine commitments across three pillars – connected planet, connected economy and connected communities – NTT Ltd is said it will "use technology solutions that help protect, restore, and regenerate the natural world, conserving precious natural resources for future generations" and "support diverse, inclusive, and accessible communities where NTT operates to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to realise their potential".
Acknowledging the role of ICT in reducing the environmental impact of other industries, NTT said it will also support its customers to become more sustainable. Falling under the Connected Economy pillar this will see the company use "trusted technology to help organisations thrive and make their contributions to a sustainable and more resilient digital future".
Sharing the hard figures, NTT further committed to:
Establish a Sustainability Innovation Fund, review board and mentorship initiative to incubate ideas and scale the impact of climate tech and sustainable solutions and in support of the UN SDGs;
Grow its portfolio of smart solutions to support its clients and partners in decreasing 200 million tonnes of GHG emissions by 2026;
Enable and empower its employees to contribute one million hours of volunteering to support the initiatives forming the three interconnected pillars and in support of the UN SDGs by 2025;
Engage 50% of its employees in conservation and regenerative initiatives in their local communities in support of the UN SDGs and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration by 2025.
On net zero emissions NTT's pledge puts it on a par with Vodafone – which has also set a 2040 deadline – although Colt and IBM are just two of the companies committed to a 2030 deadline. However, the pledge does put NTT Ltd years ahead of India and Saudi Arabia, which over recent days have announced net zero deadlines of 2070 and 2060 respectively.
