Telecom ESG Strategies
Virgin Media O2 Released a New ESG Plan Targeting Net Zero and Device Reuse
Adam Harrie — June 9, 2026
Virgin Media O2 launched its Responsible Business Plan, a four-pillar ESG strategy focused on climate, connection, control and circularity. Targets include achieving net zero by 2040, supporting 500,000 low-income households with connectivity by 2030, and doubling refurbished device sales and circular device reuse through its O2 Recycle service by 2030.
The plan builds on the company's 2022–2025 Better Connections Plan, which reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% compared to its 2020 baseline, recycled more than four million devices with zero parts sent to landfill, and connected more than 500,000 people through the National Databank. Virgin Media O2 also pledged to champion device reuse programs in 30 UK cities by 2030.
Virgin Media O2 shows how telecommunications providers can embed circular economy principles directly into their core business operations.
