The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has confirmed that Vodafone’s long-term goals to cut its total global greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’ by 2040 are valid. Vodafone’s near-term goals to lower the emissions from its own operations by 90% by 2030 have also been re-validated by SBTi. This means that Vodafone’s goals are consistent with the reductions needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious objective of the Paris Agreement.

Vodafone’s net-zero target, which aims to eliminate its greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, has received praise from the SBTi for being the most ambitious level of commitment available through its process. Joakim Reiter, the Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer of Vodafone emphasised the importance of this initiative and said “This is an important external recognition of our targets to decarbonise our business. Validation from SBTi reaffirms the robustness of Vodafone’s ambition at a time when urgent climate action remains critical.  We remain committed to ensuring that Vodafone and its services minimise their impact on the planet and realising the potential of digital connectivity to enable the economy-wide climate transition.”

Vodafone has set a goal to eliminate its own emissions and the emissions from the energy it uses and buys by 2030. Vodafone also aims to halve the emissions from other sources that are linked to its business, such as joint ventures, supply chain, product use and business travel by 2030. Finally, the operator plans to reach net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040, advancing its original target of 2050 by a decade.