JT launches 10-year sustainability plan

Friday 19 March 2021

JT has launched its 10-year sustainability strategy, laying out its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.

It also includes a pledge to work with Government and Industry to accelerate wider sustainability goals and create a ‘JT together Framework’.

The strategy is focused around the two themes of Planet and People.

The Telecoms operator worked with The Carbon Trust to benchmark and baseline their carbon emissions, bringing existing environmental activities together into a robust and formal planet policy, which includes using more locally generated renewable energy, reducing their fleet size and moving to electric vehicles, scaling down and repurposing their property estate, while also supporting their customers with reducing their own carbon footprint.

The People strategy outlines JT commitment to supporting local charities and vulnerable groups, with a focus on the importance of digital education and online security. Workforce diversity and inclusion is also a key focus area for the group.

“Climate change remains one of the most urgent challenges for our society today. The fight to contain it requires a genuine commitment from all of us, it’s an opportunity for everyone to work together to protect the world we all share," CEO Graeme Millar said.

"For us, this is a really important part of our 10-year strategy alongside our ‘social sustainability’ commitment to do good in the communities we live and work in. We’ve a responsibility to champion and lead on digital inclusivity and education and I’m excited to see the benefits that will bring to our islands. We’ve set ourselves some ambitious targets, which won’t be achieved overnight, we hope when we report back each year, we can demonstrate positive steps forward.  We know we won’t get it right first time, however with the support of our people, customers and partners we hope to see good our commitments to supporting our purpose, while providing positive digital and social experiences.

"Energy use is an essential part of day to day business operations, but all telecom operators have considerable scope to cut energy costs and consumption which is why JT’s teams are determined to make efficient and sustainable changes wherever the opportunity presents itself."

Pictured: CEO Graeme Millar.

Tom Noel, JT’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, added: “We’re already making great progress in reducing energy use in all our buildings, using a series of simple solutions such as sensors that make sure lights are not left on, something every business can commit too. We’re putting our foot firmly on the accelerator to achieve wider sustainability goals within our communities, supporting the aims of being a force for good.

"That's not just about reducing our use of energy and switching to renewable sources, it’s also about being at the core of community life and supporting a digital future for everyone, because we really believe that the way forward is together.”