Airtel commits to big cut in emissions by 2030-31

Bharti Airtel said it has committed to reducing 50.2% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030-31. India's second-largest telecom operator has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)'s 'Business Ambition for 1.5°C' campaign and has adopted targets to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and emissions from its network operations, according to a statement on Monday.

"With this, Airtel joins the league of leading global corporations who have committed to the 1.5°C pathway outlined by the SBTi - a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and the World-Wide Fund for Nature," it said. The telco further committed to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 42% over the same period.

It said the targets will be achieved through green energy adoption across its network operations, energy-efficient infrastructure and processes. The company will implement sustainable business practices, too, it said.


"Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity... Businesses have a fundamental responsibility to contribute to this effort and Airtel has adopted an ambitious target in this direction and will report its progress transparently," said Vidyut Gulati, director (legal), Bharti Airtel.