Vodafone pledges to halve CO2 emissions by 2020

Vodafone has pledged to cut its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 50% by 2020. The mobile giant will introduce solar-powered phone charges and overhaul its network technologies as part of the move.

Vodafone already offers solar-powered charges in the Netherlands and is now planning to bring them to other markets, although no UK launch date has been confirmed.

The company says that by making this “public commitment”, it hopes to encourage others to take similar action.

Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin adds: “We have reviewed the options, including carbon offsetting, and have concluded that the most effective strategy is to cut our CO2 emissions directly.

“There are no simple solutions to what is a complex challenge, but through operational changes and technological innovation we will focus on improving energy efficiency in our networks, which account for 80% of our emissions. We will use renewable energy when and where we can.”

Vodafone’s CO2 emissions for 2006/07 were 1.23 million tonnes, a 6% increase in total energy consumption on the previous financial year on a like-for-like basis.