Moving forward sustainably.

Read about our efforts in the 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report.

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Our path to
operational net zero.

Over 90% of our operational carbon footprint comes from the electricity we use to power our networks. Because these scope 2 emissions make up the bulk of our operational footprint, our path to operational net zero is focused on two key drivers: maximizing the energy efficiency of our networks and facilities and transitioning to renewable energy.

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Verizon completes final
allocation of its third green bond.

In February 2019, Verizon became the first U.S. telecom company to issue a green bond. The inaugural offering raised almost $1 billion in net proceeds which was fully allocated in 2020. In September 2020, Verizon issued its second green bond which was fully allocated in 2021. In September 2021, Verizon issued its third green bond which was fully allocated in 2022.

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Addressing climate-related
risks and opportunities.

We have adopted the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and published our first report aligned with these guidelines.

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Practical guidance (PDF)

Talking sustainability
with Verizon’s CSO.

Hear from Jim Gowen, Verizon's Chief Sustainability Officer, on how we’re committed to protecting our planet for future generations.

Verizon Environmental Sustainability Video

Transitioning to
renewable energy.

Verizon expects to source or generate renewable energy equivalent to 50% of our total annual electricity consumption by 2025. 

Verizon is also developing on-site green energy generation at our administrative offices and other facilities. Since 2013, we have installed 31.5 megawatts (MW) of on-site green energy.

Progress Towards Installing 24 MWs of Solar by 2025

Helping customers reduce
carbon emissions.

As a global communications technology leader, we recognize that our networks and connected solutions can help millions of customers save energy and reduce their own carbon emissions. 

Since 2018, Verizon solutions have enabled the avoidance of 58 million+ metric tons of CO2e. 

In 2021, Verizon solutions enabled the avoidance of over 16 million metric tons of CO2e, equivalent to taking 3.5 million cars off the road for one year.

In 2021, our solutions enabled:

    Recycling and
    waste diversion.

    Across our operations, we work to conserve resources and
    divert waste from landfills.

    • In 2021, Verizon reused or recycled approximately 35.5 million pounds of e-waste, including 1.79 million pounds of plastic and 3.4 million pounds of lead-acid batteries.
    • To support our communities in safely recycling e-waste, Verizon sponsors free recycling events open to our employees and the public. Community members can bring in any e-waste item ranging from a personal computer to a television to a toaster for safe disposal. We aim to collect and recycle 10 million pounds of e-waste from our communities by 2026. Since 2009, we have collected nearly 6 million pounds.

    Water conservation.

    We recognize that water is an extremely important resource and are focused on reducing water use across our facilities. We reduced our water usage by 20% from 2016 to 2020.

    This chart is an overview of Verizon’s annual water usage from 2016 to 2020. In 2016, Verizon used 2.6 billion gallons of water. In 2017, Verizon used 2.39 billion gallons of water. In 2018, Verizon used 2.3 billion gallons of water. In 2019, Verizon used 2.35 billion gallons of water. In 2020, Verizon used 2.05 billion gallons of water.

    Transforming our fleet.

    We are in the process of transforming our fleet from relying on internal combustion engines to using clean energy technologies. As part of this effort, we are planning to electrify much of our customer-facing fleet through suitable light-duty EVs. We are also prioritizing the design and construction of charging stations at Verizon locations that house the largest concentrations of fleet vehicles.

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