UK mobile network operator O2 has announced plans to reduce carbon emissions across its business to become a Net Zero business by 2025, building on a journey started in 2008, when O2 signed renewable energy deals across sites where it pays the bill.

The UK network will also implement more ambitious carbon reduction targets within its supply chain. O2 said it will work with its suppliers, including handset manufacturers, to target emission reduction across its supply chain by 30 per cent over the next five years.

The network said it will also focus its efforts on the wider power of mobile, working beyond its own business to help other sectors in their search for more sustainable solutions. This includes its work with the UK Smart Metering programme and working with partners to replicate O2’s own success of saving 20,000 tonnes of carbon over the past eight years through flexible working technology.

O2 claims that together, these commitments represent the fastest and furthest-reaching carbon reduction program announced by a UK mobile network operator.

“Today, we’re putting a stake in the ground,” said O2 CEO, Mark Evans. “We want to go further and faster, setting the bar in our industry to tackle climate change and build the greenest network for our customers. Every office, every store, every mast. We will get the changes done to be a Net Zero Business by 2025.

“Mobile can play a pivotal role to make our country more sustainable. From smart metering to smarter working. O2 will work with suppliers, partners and customers to ensure that this industry plays its part in delivering a greener country for us all.”

In order to become Net Zero by 2025, O2 plans to switch third-party landlords that support the O2 network over to renewable energy, while creating technical and energy transition solutions across its whole business where needed. O2 already uses 100 per cent renewable energy where it controls the energy bill.

And to reduce supply chain emissions by 30 per cent by 2025, O2 will be working with the wider Telefonica Group to implement more ambitious carbon reduction targets to encourage suppliers to accelerate their efforts to reduce emissions.

Progress against both commitments will be reported annually and will be independently assessed and audited by Aenor and ERM.