Carbon Footprint — Operations: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone reports full Scope 1 and 2 emissions under GHG Protocol standards with Ernst & Young limited assurance (ISAE 3000/3410). FY25 Scope 1+2 from continuing operations was 0.27 million tCO2e, down 60.8% from FY24's 0.69m tCO2e. Multi-year tracking back to FY20 baseline with granular breakdown by market and scope. Data is publicly disclosed in the Annual Report, ESG Addendum, and CDP A-list questionnaire with methodology document.

Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone quantifies all material Scope 3 categories (FY25: 6.61 million tCO2e), using a hybrid of supplier-specific CDP data and spend-based EEIO approaches. The company engages 8,500+ suppliers with a 20% ESG weighting in RFQ processes and requires key suppliers to set 1.5°C science-based targets and report to CDP. Methodology is detailed in the ESG Addendum. However, the company acknowledges challenges in data quality for product-specific carbon footprints, limiting the score below 8.

Emissions Trajectory: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Scope 1+2 absolute emissions show exceptional reduction: approximately 84% below FY20 baseline, with FY25 at 0.27m tCO2e. However, Vodafone's own Climate Transition Plan acknowledged an 'upward trend' in Scope 3 emissions that it needed to reverse. FY25 Scope 3 decreased 8% year-on-year, but this was partly driven by disposal of equity stakes (e.g., Indus Towers) rather than purely operational decarbonisation. The mixed picture — excellent Scope 1+2 trajectory but inconsistent Scope 3 progress —

Energy Source: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone matched 100% of grid electricity globally with renewable sources in FY25, as an RE100 member. In Europe, 100% of grid electricity is certified renewable since July 2021. The company uses a mix of PPAs (e.g., UK and Spain), green tariffs, RECs, and on-site solar generation. Vodafone aims for 20-40% of renewable electricity via PPAs by 2030, targeting additionality. However, some markets rely on cross-border REC purchases (e.g., Albania), and off-grid diesel generators in Africa remain. T

Nature & Biodiversity Impact: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone has assessed its nature and biodiversity dependencies across operations and supply chain. It has a three-year partnership with WWF (since November 2022) including the '1 million phones for the planet' campaign. The company developed mTwiga, a digital solution for preventing human-wildlife conflict in Africa. However, there is no formal TNFD-aligned disclosure, no quantified nature footprint, and no deforestation-free commitment with third-party verification. The nature impact of telecom

Resource Use & Waste: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone achieved its FY25 target to reuse, resell, or recycle 100% of decommissioned network equipment. The WWF phone collection campaign has gathered approximately 700,000 used devices. The company reports network waste including hazardous waste, holds ISO 14001 accreditations across markets, and has introduced sustainability requirements for suppliers. However, the company acknowledges that not all materials are recovered during recycling and that a fully circular system is not yet achieved.

Water Impact: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone reports water consumption and tracks water withdrawal in water-stressed countries using the WRI Aqueduct database. Water intensity metrics are calculated and disclosed. The company acknowledges its operations use relatively little water compared to other industries. Telecoms is inherently low water-impact, primarily limited to cooling systems and office use. Vodafone monitors and reports water usage but has not published specific reduction targets or a water stewardship programme. The a

Targets & Commitments: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone has both near-term and long-term SBTi-validated targets: 90% Scope 1+2 reduction by 2030 (1.5°C aligned), 50% Scope 3 reduction by 2030, and net-zero across all scopes by 2040 (90% absolute reduction). The company follows a reduction-first approach, with offsets limited to the final <10% of residual emissions using ICVCM Core Carbon Principles-aligned credits. Regional net-zero targets are set (Europe by 2028, Africa by 2035). Vodafone Germany already achieved net-zero operations in FY2

Transparency & Accountability: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone has a Board-level ESG Committee overseeing sustainability. 3.3% of executive long-term incentive plan is linked to climate metrics. The company publishes comprehensive annual ESG Addendum, ESG Methodology, Climate Transition Plan, and CDP questionnaire (A-list). Ernst & Young provides limited assurance. Vodafone reports to GRI, SASB, TCFD frameworks and participates in CDP, EcoVadis (83/100, top 1%). The dedicated Group Head of Sustainable Business manages day-to-day climate plan delive

Controversies & Red Flags: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Starting at 8. No specific greenwashing fines or regulatory actions against Vodafone identified. The NewClimate Institute (2022) rated Vodafone as 'moderate integrity' — among the better-performing companies in their assessment. However, InfluenceMap notes Vodafone's membership in BusinessEurope, which 'engages actively and negatively on climate-related policy in the EU,' and Vodafone's chairman chairs the European Round Table for Industry, which shows 'a mix of positive and negative engagement.

Vodafone Group Plc Sustainability Score: 53/100

Q: Transparency & Accountability: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Vodafone has a Board-level ESG Committee overseeing sustainability. 3.3% of executive long-term incentive plan is linked to climate metrics. The company publishes comprehensive annual ESG Addendum, ESG Methodology, Climate Transition Plan, and CDP questionnaire (A-list). Ernst & Young provides limited assurance. Vodafone reports to GRI, SASB, TCFD frameworks and participates in CDP, EcoVadis (83/100, top 1%). The dedicated Group Head of Sustainable Business manages day-to-day climate plan delive

Q: Controversies & Red Flags: How does Vodafone Group Plc score?

Starting at 8. No specific greenwashing fines or regulatory actions against Vodafone identified. The NewClimate Institute (2022) rated Vodafone as 'moderate integrity' — among the better-performing companies in their assessment. However, InfluenceMap notes Vodafone's membership in BusinessEurope, which 'engages actively and negatively on climate-related policy in the EU,' and Vodafone's chairman chairs the European Round Table for Industry, which shows 'a mix of positive and negative engagement.

Recently scored: Dentsu, Omnicom, Publicis Groupe, WPP

507 companies scored·4 score updates this week

Vodafone Group Plc·Telecommunications·London, United Kingdom·Founded 1984·Last verified 22 April 2026

out of 100

Making progressPending Review-1 since last review

Vodafone has cut operational emissions 84% since FY20 and validates targets through SBTi, placing it among telecom leaders. Scope 3 emissions remain volatile despite recent declines, nature disclosure is minimal without TNFD alignment, and trade association memberships show misalignment with climate policy—gaps that prevent a higher rating.

No challenges currently filed

The calculation

Every score shows its working.

Same formula for every company. No curve. No private weighting.

SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale

Industry base impact

Telecommunications sector ceiling.

55 / 100

Performance score

Sum of the 10 rubric questions, scored 0–10 each.

68 / 100

Raw score

Weighted average before scale penalty.

(0.3 × 55) + (0.7 × 68) = 64.1

Scale penalty

Multiplier based on absolute emissions volume — physics-first.

× 0.82

Final score

Rounded. Making progress.

53 / 100

The ten questions

Where Vodafone Group Plc is strong, and where it isn't.

Strongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Targets & Commitments (9/10, 9/10). Weakest on Nature & Biodiversity Impact and Water Impact (4/10, 5/10).

Where the evidence comes from

Every document used, listed.

15 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.

[1]Self-reported

Vodafone: How Vodafone is helping to protect the planet

Ongoing

Q1Q3Q6

Every score shows its working.

Where Vodafone Group Plc is strong, and where it isn't.

Every document used, listed.

Where Vodafone Group Plc sits among telecommunications peers.

Vodafone Group Plc's score over time.

This score is not currently being contested.

Related companies worth a look.

We'll let you know when the score moves.

Which companies moved this week, and why.