BT has pledged a ‘green recovery’ from pandemic

Broadband and mobile giant BT Group has announced plans to achieve a ‘green recovery’ from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The company has announced the launch of two new initiatives, the Green Tech Innovation Platform and the UK Electric Fleets Alliance.

The Green Tech Platform will aim to uncover the latest technologies that could support BT and their public sector customers to transition to net-zero emissions.

Examples of technologies include developing solutions to support energy and water management in social housing and other public sector buildings.

They also hope to use 5G to promote new technologies that will encourage the continuation of remote working with the aim to reduce travel.

These plans are in line with the companies long-term goals to become a net-zero business by 2045.

BT has also joined up with The Climate Group to launch a new partnership, the UK Electric Fleets Alliance.

The aim of this partnership is to highlight the need to support corporate Electric Vehicle (EV) uptake by stimulating EV supply and investing in EV charging infrastructure.

The alliance will create a business leadership coalition to advocate for 100% EV sales nationwide by 2030. The group aims to solidify commitments from senior government ministers to bring forward the UK target to end petrol and diesel vehicle sales.

However, at the moment, only 23 of BT’s vans are electric, despite their fleet consisting of 34,000 vehicles.

Philip Jansen, BT Group chief executive said: ‘The economic setback and immense hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are severe and could be long-lasting.

‘However, despite the temporary reprieve on carbon emissions and air quality in towns and cities due to lockdown, the global climate emergency hasn’t gone away.

‘As we emerge from this crisis, the recovery represents a huge opportunity for Government, businesses and individuals to put action on climate at the heart of their efforts. We will be playing our part with a once-in-a-generation investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure.’

Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group said: ‘Targeting 100% EV sales by 2030 is critical for hitting the UK’s net-zero emissions goal and setting a powerful example of climate leadership to other countries as they prepare their coronavirus recovery plans.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay