For Vodafone’s UK leaders, sustainability is a continuous way of operating. It is work which requires transparency, humility and the ability to adapt and innovate. The technology and telecommunications industry has unique challenges. Its footprint is truly global, from cables along the ocean floor to satellites above our heads. Companies sit amidst rising global electricity demands, with AI requiring exponentially higher energy each year. Innovative solutions are needed.
Vodafone has already come far with its commitments when they joined RE100 in 2018, sourcing 100% renewable electricity in Europe and on track to do so globally by 2025. Joining Climate Group’s 24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition is a logical next step.
“We're in a really strong position. We have already reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 93% ahead of our target. We now need to apply the learnings in order to accelerate the reduction of our Scope 3 emissions.”
“We're in a really strong position. We have already reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 93% ahead of our target. We now need to apply the learnings in order to accelerate the reduction of our Scope 3 emissions.”
A new frontier
Vodafone is one of a handful of Founding Partners in the pilot phase of the 24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition. Building on Vodafone’s RE100 progress, sourcing 24/7 carbon-free electricity (CFE) represents the best way to evolve, embracing changes in science, corporate sustainability and technology in the green energy transition. A way to achieve full transparency in energy supply and ensure that incentives for fossil fuel production truly shift.
The 24/7 CFE movement is collaborative. Vodafone’s sustainability team understands that the energy transition involves many interdependencies. Partnership is vital. Joining the 24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition is a chance to lead as part of a community, collectively shaping and exploring the best tools to decarbonise the grid.
Each party brings their specialism to the table. Vodafone’s team is excited to share their know-how in data and learn from other partners’ expertise. Each will have their own hesitations, nerves and knowledge gaps. Working as a community creates a safety net. Most importantly, by pursuing a view of sustainability as one of perpetual growth, companies can be more transparent about their journey, failures and successes, building a more credible relationship with the public along the way. 24/7 CFE is simply the next level of ambition.
How can we convince more companies to join?
For Vodafone, joining the 24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition is also a business-savvy decision – as George says, “it builds trust and belief between our customers and suppliers. It signals that Vodafone is a company that can be your trusted digital partner.” In the long run, “clean grids will also reduce risks, costs and exposure to price volatility. It's a commercial win as well as a sustainability win.” It’s about taking control of your business’ energy supply.
What’s next?
At this stage, Vodafone expects its Founding Partner status to signal its enthusiasm and commitment to the 24/7 CFE principles. Down the line, its ambition is to rapidly grow the number of SME customers and sole traders sourcing 24/7 CFE, for instance through preferential rates.
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