Virgin Media O2 unveils long-term plan to cut emissions and build a more climate-resilient business 

Virgin Media O2 is setting out how it will reduce its environmental impact and become more resilient to the climate crisis as part of its new Green Transition Plan.  

The comprehensive plan highlights the actions the operator is taking to achieve net zero carbon emissions, build and operate climate-resilient networks and extend the life of technology.  

It underpins the ‘Climate’ and ‘Circularity’ focus areas of Virgin Media O2’s new ESG strategy, the Responsible Business Plan, where the company is taking greater ownership over the full lifecycle of its operations — from how its network is built and run, to the impact its products and services may have on people and the planet. 

Responsible business in action 

With its Green Transition Plan, Virgin Media O2 is sharing a long-term approach to becoming a low-carbon business, coupled with reducing risk and adapting to the complexity posed by the climate crisis so it can keep customers connected – now and in the future. 

This includes a range of measures to decarbonise, support nature recovery, strengthen the resilience of its network infrastructure to climate risks, and drive device reuse and recycling. 

These measures include: 

Climate – reducing the impact of our network: 

• Near-term decarbonisation: By 2030, Virgin Media O2 will reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and Scope 3 emissions by 50%. It has already reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% against its 2020 baseline. 

• Long-term net zero: Achieve net zero carbon emissions across its full value chain by the end of 2040.   

• Carbon-free power: Support the UK’s energy transition by sourcing 100% carbon-free energy from UK sources and driving energy efficiency across its operations. 

• Climate resilience: Building and operating more climate-resilient broadband and mobile networks. 

Circularity: Extending the life of technology: 

• Supporting every device to ‘live twice’: Virgin Media O2 will continue to drive the UK’s circular economy so technology, such as smartphones, tablets or consoles, can be given a second life and repaired, recycled or refurbished and sold as ‘like new’ products. This reduces demand for critical materials, supports business resilience and increases customer choice. 

• Refurbished growth: Aim to double the number of people buying refurbished devices from Virgin Media O2 by 2030.  

• Recycling: Aim to double the number of people recycling unwanted devices via O2 Recycle by 2030.  

• Reuse culture: The company will build on its partnership with Coventry City Council by championing a device reuse culture in 30 cities by 2030, supporting programmes and initiatives to keep tech in use for longer and support digital inclusion. This means devices will be reused locally and passed to people who need them, creating social value and preventing electronic waste. 

 The plan is underpinned by 14 ‘transition levers’ that will help the company reach its goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. These include working with its supply chain to cut carbon and waste from network and customer equipment, sourcing carbon-free energy, improving the energy efficiency of customer devices, and continued investment in its networks which will support the UK’s net zero transition.  

Furthermore, the plan highlights the areas where Virgin Media O2 requires support and collaboration to achieve its goals, including the decarbonisation of the UK’s electricity grid and the development of a Government-led national strategy to enable the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets. 

 Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:  

 “Our Green Transition Plan is a milestone in Virgin Media O2’s journey to become a more resilient, lower carbon business.  

 “It’s a long-term commitment backed with action across many interconnected areas where we’re working to reach net zero, give technology a second life, and build and operate climate-resilient networks. 

“Embedding responsible business into every decision Virgin Media O2 makes is key, as we reduce our environmental impact, help protect the planet, and keep our customers connected.”   

Nigel Topping, co-founder of Ambition Loop and UN Climate Champion COP26, said:  

“Credible climate transition plans are becoming a defining feature of responsible business leadership. What matters is not just ambition, but clarity on how targets will be delivered in practice – through transparent, accountable, and measurable action across the whole value chain.

“At the same time, businesses must prepare for the physical impacts of the climate crisis, strengthening their resilience while reducing emissions. That’s why I welcome Virgin Media O2’s leadership in publishing a clear and robust Green Transition Plan. Plans like this help build confidence among investors, policymakers and the public that the transition is both achievable and underway.” 

You can find out more about Virgin Media O2’s Green Transition Plan here.