The climate emergency is called so for a reason – it is a problem that demands an urgent response. Not tomorrow, not next week, but today. The UK’s Net Zero target may not be until 2050, but in order to reach it we must work together now. At O2, it is our mission to build a greener future, and we recognise the incredible potential of digital connectivity to do just this.

Each of us has the power to use connectivity to make greener, more sustainable, choices in our homes and businesses. But it can be hard to know where to start, especially for business leaders, many of whom may not be clear about the specific ways that technology can support their organisation to be greener.

It is only when the value proposition for connectivity is clearly understood by each industry that greater adoption will occur. This is where we can help. As a leading UK telecoms operator, we’re committed to demonstrating the use cases for digital connectivity. We have invested in a number of projects across a range of business sectors, including:

Utilities – Improving home energy efficiency is key to helping us reach Net Zero. Already we are making a difference by providing connectivity for three million smart metres across the UK. But we can go further. The application of 5G will help to ‘green’ the national grid and power the smart home revolution.

Potential carbon savings by 2035: 181 megatonnes*.

Transport – Technology creates a wealth of greener choices for travelling. From 5G- connected autonomous vehicles and public transport to electric bikes, the introduction of digital connectivity to the transport sector will lower emissions, increase efficiency and improve air quality. Also, as digital working habits continue beyond COVID-19 lockdowns, carbon emissions will be reduced as people commute less frequently.

Potential carbon savings by 2035: 43 megatonnes*.

Manufacturing – 5G networks will enable the creation of smart factories. These hold a host of benefits including reduced waste, minimised risk of delays and downtime, greater automation and improved efficiency and productivity.

Potential carbon savings by 2035: 40 megatonnes*.

Healthcare – Digital connectivity hails an era of more innovative ways to manage vital healthcare services. Technological advancements and connectivity will help to reduce emergency hospital admissions, improve patient outcomes and ease the strain on our national health services.

Potential carbon savings by 2035: 6 megatonnes*.

The application of digital connectivity across these four industries alone could save up to 270 megatonnes of carbon by 2035. That’s almost equivalent to England’s total emissions for 2018.

The potential for technology to build more sustainable business models and drive down the UK’s carbon emissions is truly monumental. Every sector in the UK stands to reap the benefits of improved digital connectivity.

At O2, we are excited and proud to be driving positive change across a number of industries already, and we’d love to work with your business to do the same. To find out how digital connectivity could make your company more sustainable, get in touch with O2 Business.

We’ve created a series of case studies focusing on each of the sectors mentioned in this blog, bringing to life the benefits a connected future can deliver. View them here.

By Jo Bertram Managing Director of Business

• Detail and justification for potential carbon savings found in O2’s A greener connected future report, in partnership with IC&CO and Cenex.