How Virgin Media O2 is Boosting Data Centre Sustainability
Virgin Media O2 is accelerating its climate strategy with a clear focus on decarbonising operations, supply chains and customer behaviours to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Central to the plan is a strong emphasis on data centre sustainability and Scope 3 emissions, aligning all efforts with science-based targets.
The UK telco’s 2024 Better Connections Plan lays out achievements and strategies designed to reshape its environmental footprint, including key actions tied to its data infrastructure.
Deep cuts in emissions and stronger data centre performance
Virgin Media O2 confirms it has slashed Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions – those generated directly by the company and from purchased electricity – by 56% compared to its 2020 baseline.
A major part of this progress comes from its data centres, which have recorded a 15% reduction in cooling energy use.
These centres, which are essential for managing digital traffic and supporting business operations, are often major contributors to a company’s energy use. The energy savings suggest improvements in power efficiency and cooling technologies, reflecting a broader move toward energy-conscious digital infrastructure.
The company is targeting a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 and plans to maintain this through to 2040.
At the same time, it has committed to cutting absolute Scope 3 emissions – those from its value chain, such as suppliers and product use – by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2040.
Scope 3 emissions typically represent the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint.
Virgin Media O2’s commitment includes influencing partners and vendors to adopt science-based reduction strategies.
Its net-zero goal spans the full value chain, covering operations, supply chain activities and products in use.
These plans are underpinned by targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), providing independent validation for the company’s approach.
Electric vehicles and renewable energy for net-zero journey
Beyond the data centre, the firm’s efforts to lower emissions extend to transport and energy sourcing.
The company has introduced 350 electric vehicles, supporting its ambition to transition its fleet entirely to electric by the end of the decade.
In parallel, it continues to invest in renewable electricity and broader energy efficiency projects, ensuring the sustainability of network operations across the country.
Virgin Media O2 is also turning to data-driven technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI to support environmental goals.
These tools are intended to monitor energy use, cut waste and optimise systems in real time, particularly in high-energy environments like data centres.
The aim is not only to reduce its emissions but to help decarbonise broader UK sectors and assist in environmental restoration through smarter, lower-impact technologies.
As Virgin Media O2 Chief Executive Lutz Schüler states: "To mark Earth Day, we’ve shared our latest sustainability performance which outlines the work we did in 2024 to ensure we have a lasting impact on our planet and the communities we serve."
“I’m proud that we’ve cut scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 56% against our 2020 baseline.
“We also remain on target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.”
Pushing circular actions and tackling tech waste
In addition to cutting emissions, Virgin Media O2 is pushing forward with its circular economy initiatives, aiming for zero waste across operations and products.
Through its O2 Recycle scheme, it has prevented 4 million devices from going to landfill.
In total, customers have carried out 8.5 million circular actions – including recycling old devices and purchasing refurbished ones.
This strategy extends into product design and end-of-life processes.
The telco intends to reuse or recycle 100% of all customer and network equipment, ensuring that packaging is fully recyclable and contains no single-use plastics by 2025. It is also working on more circular product lines, using recycled materials and designing for repair and refurbishment.
To close the loop, Virgin Media O2 runs education campaigns encouraging consumers to reduce e-waste and donate or recycle old electronics.
These programmes aim to extend the life of tech devices and ensure they remain useful in other contexts, including community redistribution efforts.
The report concludes that its environmental agenda is not limited to internal operations, but is being integrated into the wider ecosystem through partnerships, product development and customer engagement.
With data centres and Scope 3 emissions at the heart of this strategy, the company is looking beyond compliance and into sector leadership on net zero.
Explore the latest edition of Data Centre Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Data Centre Magazine is a BizClik brand
