Green broadband? NBN Co targets 100% renewable energy by 2025

NBN Co has announced a 100% renewable energy target, backed by an emission reduction plan and membership with the RE100 climate group. The company has announced an initial three-year roadmap it will adhere to as it continues to deliver broadband to over 8 million Aussie homes. 

The new target will see an increase in measures taken to reduce carbon emissions from the business and its operations, with NBN Co already taking part in a renewable power purchasing agreement. 

The existing agreement will see almost 20% renewable energy delivered to the network by the 2023 financial year, although the company now plans to source 100% of its power purchases from renewable sources through further power purchasing agreements and contracts for clean energy. 

As part of the company’s new three-year roadmap, NBN Co will work towards:

• Reducing its annual energy use by 25GWh by December 2025 
  
• Purchasing 100 per cent renewable electricity from December 2025 
  
• Using electric or hybrid vehicles, where suitably available, by 2030.

“Beyond the direct impact of becoming an environmentally sustainable business, what’s equally exciting is the power of the network to help enable digitisation, and the huge benefits that unlocks for the nation in terms of emissions reductions, as well as socio-economic benefits,” chief executive of NBN Co, Stephen Rue said.

NBN Co’s membership to the RE100 initiative, a collection of the world’s most influential businesses committing to 100% renewable power, will also send a strong message to investors and policymakers about the importance of reducing carbon emissions and accelerating towards a clean economy. 

Over 300 companies are members of the RE100 initiative, including major brands such as Apple and Unilever. In Australia, NBN Co joins businesses such as Commonwealth Bank, Atlassian and Woolworths Group. 

Looking for an NBN plan for your home? Head across to our broadband hub to find and compare providers in your area. If you’re looking to bring more renewables into your home, head across to our energy hub.