BT closes in on 100 per cent renewable electricity

Telecoms giant claims it is within four per cent of 2020 target to power entire global operations with 100 per cent renewables

BT is fast closing in on its goal to power its entire global operations using renewables, claiming it is now within four per cent of its target to purchase 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020.

The telecoms giant revealed today it has signed two new energy deals that will mean 96 per cent of its global operations are powered by renewable electricity, up from 81 per cent last year.
The new contracts help edge BT to within touching distance of the 2020 renewables target, which forms part of its wider science-based climate goals that include a pledge to emit net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

It also means that EE, the UK’s biggest mobile phone network which is part of BT, is now powered by electricity from 100 per cent certified renewable sources such as wind farms and solar panels, helping to save an estimated 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

BT has signed a separate agreement with npower to supply the rest of EE’s operations, including over 600 retail locations across the UK, with 680GWh of renewable electricity.

Andy Wales, chief digital impact and sustainability officer, highlighted how the urgent need to tackle escalating climate risks has been made clear by the IPCC’s recent 1.5C global warming report.

“We recently announced our pledge to become a net zero carbon emission business by 2045, and today’s renewable energy deals mark another important step in reaching our ambitious sustainability goals,” he said. “We hope that by leading by example we can inspire others to take action and drive the transition to a low carbon economy.”