BT commits to carbon busting strategy
BT today announced that it has extended its Green Energy contract - one of the biggest in the world - until 2010. Part of its campaign to reduce carbon emissions, the contract will see BT saving the equivalent amount of carbon as that resulting from the electricity consumption of over 300,000 households - roughly the population of Liverpool and Cardiff combined - every year.
Under the terms of the contract, npower and British Gas Business will provide BT with 1 terawatt hour (TWh) of renewable energy and 1.2 TWh of accredited combined heat and power (CHP) per year.
In addition, BT today outlined its strategy to tackle climate change, making a series of environmental pledges aimed at keeping the company at the front line of reducing carbon emissions. As a consumer of 0.7 per cent of the UK's entire electricity consumption, BT is well-placed to make a significant contribution to the process of reducing carbon emissions.
BTs four-pronged strategy is aimed at carbon cutting by:
- reducing its own emissions including conducting a complete audit of the energy consumption of its data centres
- influencing its supply chain to produce lower carbon-emitting products
- influencing customers by proposing lower carbon solutions
- engaging with its 104,000 strong workforce to reduce their personal carbon footprints and empower them to influence their local communities
BT pledges:
- To continue cutting carbon emissions. BT has already reduced emissions by 60 per cent between 1996 and 2006, it will now aim to extend that reduction to 80 per cent by 2016. Each year this will be the equivalent of the carbon emissions produced by 143,000 cars driving around the planet.
- To conduct a complete review of its energy supply, including exploring the further potential of wind
- To incorporate energy consumption and environmental factors into its procurement processes
BT is uniquely placed to harness the potential of networked IT services and the positive effect that they will continue to have on reducing carbon emissions through, for example, cutting down on unnecessary travel. More than 80 per cent of BT staff already work some or all of the time from home thanks to broadband technology, while BT's teleconferencing business is the fastest growing in the world. BT will also commit to incorporating energy consumption and environmental impact into its procurement processes, ensuring that all suppliers are compliant with BT's environmental targets.
Paul Reynolds, chief executive of BT Wholesale, and a BT Board member, said: "This renewal of our green energy contract demonstrates our commitment to tackling climate change. When we signed the original contract over two years ago, BT was the largest purchaser of green energy in the world. I am delighted to say that we continue to lead from the front and the green energy market has gone from strength to strength. BT already has strong green credentials, but more needs to be done. Tackling climate change presents significant opportunities for businesses and those companies that take the lead will reap the rewards. I am proud to announce today that BT is determined to lead the way for industry as a prime mover and influencer in seriously reducing carbon emissions in the UK and beyond."
David Miliband, Environment Secretary, said: "This is a welcome announcement from BT. All parts of our society must address the need to reduce carbon emissions, and we need companies like BT to demonstrate commitment and leadership. If we are to effectively combat climate change, everyone -- government, business and individuals alike -- must play a part. I am particularly pleased that BT is working with both its customers and internal staff to make a difference, which supports the Government's efforts to help people change their behaviour at home and at work to stop climate change."
Steve Howard, CEO, The Climate Group, said: "BT has always set and achieved targets that demonstrate leadership on climate change. It is no surprise that they continue to strive to be the best and I have no doubt they will meet the demanding targets they have set. As always, BT are leading the way and most importantly, demonstrating that continuous improvement is not only possible, but good for business."
Gordon Parsons, Managing Director, npower business said: "The challenge for many organisations today is how to manage their impact on the environment without compromising commercial performance. BT showed this was possible when it led by example in its original greener energy deal in 2004. Through our continued relationship, we are proud to have been able to help them show that a solution that is sustainable for the environment, can also be sustainable for business."
John Beddoes, Director of Corporate Customers, British Gas Business, said: "We're delighted that BT is maintaining its Green relationship with British Gas Business. We are committed to helping businesses across all sectors build an energy efficient and sustainable future - and it's great that pre-eminent companies such as BT are implementing far-sighted carbon reduction strategies."
