Zen commits to become net zero by 2028

Paul Stobart, CEO of Zen Internet

Rochdale-based internet provider Zen has pledged to become net zero by 2028, removing more carbon emissions from the environment than it generates.

As one of 500 B Corporations in the UK, Zen joins another 150 of those B Corps that have also committed to be net zero by 2030.

A B Corporation is a business that balances purpose and profit, legally required to consider the impact of decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment. Worldwide, half of all B Corps are being asked to achieve the 2030 target, and 800 have signed up to this pledge already.

The UK government has committed to achieve net zero by 2050, however this is feared too late to reverse the environmental impact climate change is having. With scientific consensus suggesting that a 1.5°C increase in global average temperatures is the limit to minimise the worst effects of climate change, it’s thought that the limit will be reached by 2030.

Paul Stobart, CEO, Zen Internet, commented: “It is really important to us at Zen that while we run our business we also strive to make a positive difference to the world, rather than focusing solely on profits.

“Achieving B Corp certification in 2020 was a massive part of this, and our pledge to be the first broadband provider to reach net zero is the logical next step in our journey.”

Recent attention on telecoms, and the wider technology industry, makes Zen’s pledge a significant shift towards greater positive actions, more accountability and transparency, and acknowledgement of the responsibilities of businesses.

Paul continued: “We’re under no illusions that this commitment will involve a huge amount of work within the business, but it’s something that we’re passionate about and for us it’s non-negotiable. We want to show the industry that it’s possible to be a successful business without neglecting our social responsibilities.”

Becoming net zero involves measuring Zen’s carbon footprint in line with three scopes defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, most of which is already underway. Following the measurement a reduction plan will be implemented, and any remaining emissions will be offset through positive projects that remove carbon from the environment, such as reforestation and soil enhancement programmes.

Where possible, Zen will aim to support projects that also tie in with the wider sustainable development goals.

The only Which? recommended broadband provider of 2021, Zen Internet provides a full range of broadband, data, voice, hosting and infrastructure services to homes and businesses across the country, and has won a number of awards, including PC Pro’s Best Internet Service Provider for 17 consecutive years, the UK IT Industry Award for Services Company of the Year and a UK Customer Experience Silver Award for Technology & Telecoms.
 

Read more: Zen comes top of latest Which? UK broadband survey againPublished: 22 March 2021