Helios Towers sets carbon intensity reduction targets

(Sharecast News) - Telecoms infrastructure company Helios Towers set a target to reduce its carbon intensity per tenant on Thursday, by 46% by 2030.
The FTSE 250 firm said the target covered scope 1 and 2 emissions against a 2020 baseline, across the five markets where it operated in 2020.

It said that target translated into maintaining absolute emissions at 2020 levels, despite the "significant growth" expected to support mobile operators' improved telecommunications coverage over the coming years.

As Helios Towers expanded into new markets and collected operational data for a full year, the company said it would review the baseline for the target.

The firm said its target for 2030 combined both actionable investments and innovation, against the backdrop of "complex challenges" to "significantly enhance" mobile infrastructure in markets in sub-Saharan Africa, where unique mobile subscriber penetration was still below 50% and also where access to electricity was limited, unreliable and in some areas non-existent.

Helios said it was pledging to invest a total of $100m between 2022 and 2030 to reduce its reliance on generators, and use more efficient, greener solutions.

The company's long-term ambition was to become a net zero carbon emissions business by 2040.

"Reducing our carbon footprint is a challenge we take incredibly seriously," said chief executive officer Kash Pandya.

"Over the past five years, we have built a strong team focused on delivering reliable mobile infrastructure across our markets while reducing our dependence on generators."

Pandya said that had been achieved by becoming more efficient, connecting sites to the grid, and using renewable solutions including hybrid battery and solar installations.

"Now, we are taking this work further by setting specific carbon intensity targets, developing a roadmap towards net zero emissions, and investing in our markets for a more sustainable future."

At 0859 GMT, shares in Helios Towers were up 1.92% at 169.6p.