O2, officially known as Telefónica UK Limited, is a leading telecommunications provider headquartered in Spain (ES) with significant operations across the United Kingdom. Founded in 1985, O2 has established itself as a key player in the mobile network industry, offering a range of services including mobile telephony, broadband, and digital solutions. The company is renowned for its innovative approach to customer service and technology, providing unique offerings such as O2 Priority, which rewards customers with exclusive deals and experiences. With a strong market position, O2 consistently ranks among the top mobile operators in the UK, recognised for its extensive network coverage and commitment to sustainability. Through strategic partnerships and continuous investment in infrastructure, O2 remains at the forefront of the telecommunications sector, shaping the future of connectivity.
How does O2's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Telecommunications Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
O2's score of 33 is higher than 51% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2021, O2 reported total carbon emissions of approximately 26,615,000 kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 1,931,000 kg CO2e, primarily from mobile and stationary combustion, Scope 2 emissions of approximately 18,980,000 kg CO2e, mainly from purchased electricity, and Scope 3 emissions of around 5,704,000 kg CO2e, which includes waste generated in operations. O2 is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, encompassing all scopes of emissions. This long-term target reflects the company's dedication to sustainability and aligns with industry standards for climate action. The commitment is part of O2's broader Carbon Reduction Plan, which aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint over the coming years. As of now, there are no specific science-based targets (SBTi) reported, and the emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organization. O2's climate initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing climate change and reducing environmental impact.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 1,931,000 |
| Scope 2 | 18,980,000 |
| Scope 3 | 5,704,000 |
Their carbon footprint includes suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 21% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Waste Generated in Operations" being the primary emissions source at 1% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
O2 has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

