• Carbon progress: 56% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020, on track for 90% cut by 2030.
• Circular economy at scale: 8.5M “circular actions” completed; O2 Recycle expands to business users and new device categories.
• Digital inclusion drive: Over 6M people reached with digital skills training and support; 170K connected via National Databank in 2024 alone.

Virgin Media O2 has announced a 56% cut in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020—confirming it’s on track to hit its 2030 target of a 90% reduction, aligned with near-term Science Based Targets.

This announcement, timed for Earth Day 2024, is part of the company’s Better Connections Plan—a comprehensive strategy that also links carbon reduction to employee bonuses. “Whether it’s cutting carbon, tackling e-waste, or helping those in need to get online, we’ll continue to use our purpose, people and products to have a lasting impact,” said Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer.

The company’s ultimate target is net zero across all scopes by 2040, a full decade ahead of the UK government’s deadline.

Operational Efficiency and Clean Energy

Key operational wins include:

• 15% energy savings in data center cooling across 20 sites
• A growing electric vehicle fleet now surpassing 350 units
• Elimination of plastic packaging in own-brand products
• Continued use of 100% renewable electricity across sites under its control

Virgin Media O2 is also tackling Scope 3 emissions with a supply chain-focused carbon reduction initiative.

Pushing the Circular Economy

Virgin Media O2 is making significant strides in reducing e-waste:

• 8.5 million “circular actions” recorded since 2022 toward a 10M goal by 2025
• O2 Recycle has processed over 4 million devices, paying £350M to consumers since 2009
• Recent program expansions now include consoles and MacBooks, and allow businesses to donate unused devices
• Relaunched “Like New” range of refurbished phones, quality-checked through 40 rigorous tests
• 21,000 smartphones donated to those in need through the Community Calling program with charity partner Hubbub

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Digital Access and Equity

Virgin Media O2’s digital inclusion work is accelerating:

• Over 6 million people have accessed digital skills training or support—a full year ahead of its 2025 goal
• In 2024 alone, 170,000 individuals were connected through the National Databank, now available in 3,000 locations
• Launch of O2 Essential Plan, a mobile social tariff, and Essential Broadband for those on government support
• 2,000 “Get Boxes” deployed to connect people in temporary housing, in partnership with Jangala
• £400,000 device lending scheme supports people facing homelessness or domestic abuse
• 12,000 additional devices to be donated in 2025 from returns and O2 Recycle

Virgin Media O2 is also collaborating with the Government and Supporting Children with Diabetes to provide tech tools for health monitoring in low-income households.

“As we enter the final year of our industry-leading sustainability strategy, we will continue to lead as a sustainable and responsible business,” said Green.

This integrated approach to emissions, waste, and digital equity underscores Virgin Media O2’s position as a sustainability leader among UK corporates—and signals to investors and partners alike a model for purposeful business transformation.

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