Virgin Media O2 Business has launched a Carbon Calculator and a Tech donation programme to help provide clearer emissions data and address social and environmental issues associated with tech.
To help improve data, the carbon calculator, which is verified by the Carbon Trust, generates insights based on the customer’s service information and provides a yearly report on their carbon footprint.
Meanwhile, a Tech Donation Programme being offered in conjunction with Hubbub and Community Calling offers refurbished smartphones to excluded demographics, particularly those aged 11-16 and those who are 65+.
The move comes after a study commissioned by the business showed that almost nine in ten (89%) business leaders expect carbon transparency from their suppliers, yet 69% aren’t receiving enough information to track the data.
The most commonly cited concerns were financial constraints (50%) and a lack of staff capacity (38%), as well as a lack of strategy (19%). In addition, 64% of business decision makers said they believe they could be better equipped to leverage technology to fast-track their progress.
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“Beyond target setting, consumers want to see measurable changes when it comes to sustainability. Organisations are looking for support from their suppliers to reach social and environmental goals and technology can be a useful tool for this progression,” said Virgin Media O2 Business managing director Jo Bertram.
“The introduction of the ‘Carbon Calculator’ and ‘Tech Donation Programme’ underscores our commitment to reach net zero and eliminate digital poverty together with partners. We are ready to guide organisations as they work toward achieving less where it matters – less carbon, less waste and less inequality”.
Hubbub senior creative partner Emily Watson added that the organisation was “pleased to collaborate with Virgin Media 02 Business on the tech donation programme” and described it as a “transformative initiative that will help drive ESG efforts beyond their immediate boundaries”.
