Vodafone pledges emissions cut

Vodafone has pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 50 per cent in the next 12 years.

The company had considered various schemes to offset its carbon output, but had rejected them all in favour of cutting emissions directly.

Vodafone expects to make the cuts by more energy-efficient manufacturing and increased use of renewable energy.

Chief executive Arun Sarin said: "This is the right decision for a responsible business to take.

"It is good for the environment but also makes sense for the business. We hope that making this public commitment now will encourage others to take similar action."

Vodafone estimates its carbon output at 1.23 million tonnes a year, around four-fifths from powering up its phone network.

Jonathon Porritt, founder director of Forum for the Future, which works with Vodafone on sustainability issues, said: "This is a significant commitment from one of the world's largest companies.

"2020 may sound a long way away, but it is what Vodafone does over the next two or three years which will determine whether or not it hits that 50 per cent target."

See also:

Boffins promise 500,000GB iPod

Nanotech breakthrough could see 300 million tracks on one device  17 Apr 2008

IBM saves 40 per cent of cooling costs

Water cooling system saves plenty  10 Apr 2008

EU bankrolls green ICT drive

Smart technologies to help other industries reduce emissions  08 Apr 2008

Cutting green projects is a 'false economy'

Spend now to save later, says Gartner  03 Apr 2008

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