The UK telecoms sector is continuing to positively commit to net zero targets, according to new research published recently.
A new Digital Connectivity Forum report has found that many UK telecoms sector businesses have set net zero targets, with three quarters of firms having validated science-based targets.
The report highlights that the anchor point for acting on sustainability is the setting of credible carbon reduction goals.
These should involve clear targets and measurable outcomes, which can be used to report progress.
The Digital Connectivity Forum’s State of the Industry Report was based on survey results from 12 major telecoms companies, including network operators, internet service providers and vendors.
The report highlights a positive and continued commitment to the net zero journey, with 11 out of 12 having set some form of net zero target, and 75 percent having validated science-based targets.
This level of target setting is also a sign that the telecoms sector is recognising and responding to climate concerns.
The report highlighted interesting areas such as the potential for certain drivers to decrease overall emissions, including fleet transition, renewable energy switching, fluorinated gas reduction and the use of data analytics to focus sustainability strategy.
Exploring levers to industry wide reductions, policy and regulatory change, grid decarbonisation, industry change, subsidy and incentives, standardisation and green skills adoption were highlighted as key contributors towards overall industry reductions.
The report’s publication follows the second annual UK Telecoms Sustainability Roundtable, which was held in June this year by the Digital Connectivity Forum, Ofcom and Accenture.
The event followed on from last year’s session, where the UK’s largest connectivity providers came together to sign a statement of commitment, in which they agreed to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the telecoms supply chain.
This year’s roundtable, which was attended by twenty-four sustainability leaders representing sixteen companies from across the telecoms industry, identified eight priority areas including: creating a net zero roadmap for the telecoms sector; engaging senior leaders within telecoms firms on critical climate challenges and action; and understanding and improving climate resilience in a changing world.
Will Ennett, Chair of the Digital Connectivity Forum Climate & Sustainability Work Group (pictured) said: “Many companies are already taking impressive action to curb their environmental impact and make a difference.”
Ed Leighton, Director of Strategy & Policy at Ofcom added: “Some clear areas of focus came out of this year’s roundtable – including more engagement at senior leadership level and creating a net zero roadmap for the telecoms sector.”