BT signs biggest 'green' power deal

13 April 2012

TELECOMS giant BT today announced the world's biggest purchase of 'green' electricity in a deal that will see virtually all the company's power needs supplied by environmentally friendly energy.

Under three-year contracts with British Gas and npower worth several hundred million pounds, BT's depots, offices and 6,500 telephone exchanges will be powered mainly from sustainable resources such as wave, solar, wind and hydro-electric schemes.

The deal will save emissions equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide produced by more than 100,000 cars. The move was welcomed by the Government and campaign groups.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said: 'The actions of leading companies such as BT are living proof that significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions need not come at the cost of economic growth.'

Paul Reynolds, chief executive of BT Wholesale, said: 'Energy efficiency is a key element of our purchasing strategy and sustainability is at the heart of our business. We are aiming to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions and we believe we will achieve both with these new contracts.'

Dr Steve Howard, chief executive of the Climate Group, which campaigns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, said: 'BT's initiative is globally significant and sends a message that the purchase of green electricity is no longer a niche market - it has now gone mainstream.

'BT is leading the way in showing that good business, cost savings and protecting the climate all go hand in hand.'

BT has been investing in energy efficient plant and equipment and is looking at renewable technology within its buildings.

The company said the contract was the biggest ever purchase of green electricity anywhere in the world.

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