Overview
Cornerstone is on a journey to net zero, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). While we are already carbon neutral across Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (electricity use), the majority of our environmental footprint, over 95% of total emissions, sits within Scope 3, covering our supply chain.
Recognising that traditional methods were not giving us the accuracy we needed, we developed a new Product Carbon Footprint tool, designed to provide far greater visibility into the emissions associated with our assets, services and suppliers.
The challenge
Traditional spend-based methods of calculating Scope 3 emissions rely on purchase ledger data and generic reference factors. While useful as a starting point, this approach lacked the precision to inform meaningful action.
For us, this meant we could see the scale of our supply chain emissions, but not where to target reductions. To stay true to our net zero ambitions, we needed a more robust methodology.
Our response
We developed a Product Carbon Footprint tool that breaks Scope 3 down the ‘purchased good and services’ category. This provides accurate data that we can act on, engaging suppliers, informing procurement and embedding sustainability into infrastructure design from the outset.
- The outcome / results were compelling: 13,296 Tonnes of CO2 reduction for reporting year 2022 after the analysis.
- Equating to 55% of our total emissions. 3rd party verified through ISO 14067:2018 standard.
“Scope 3 represents the vast majority of our footprint, so tackling it is non-negotiable. The new tool enables us to gradually move away from the inaccurate spend based method, giving us the visibility we need to identify hotspots and drive successful decarbonization. It’s an important step in Cornerstone’s net zero journey and one that sets a higher bar for how our sector approaches sustainability.”
Mathias Hery, Design Engineering Manager, Cornerstone
“Understanding and reducing Scope 3 emissions is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry, and it’s encouraging to see Cornerstone taking such a data-led approach. Tools like this don’t just help individual companies refine their net zero strategies, they help the whole sector build consistency, transparency and shared progress towards decarbonisation. It’s the kind of practical innovation we need to see more of across digital infrastructure.”
Rob McCann, Head of Environment, Climate & Nature, Virgin Media O2, and Co-Chair of Sustainability Workgroup, Digital Connectivity Forum
The result
We can now calculate Scope 3 emissions with greater accuracy, prioritise the areas that matter most and take targeted action across our supply chain. This innovation strengthens our net zero roadmap and sets a practical framework for decarbonisation across UK digital infrastructure.
Telecoms is a supply-chain-intensive industry. Without addressing Scope 3, net zero targets cannot be met. By building a practical and scalable methodology for measuring emissions, we are taking a leading role in driving the industry forward.
We are committed to using better data, stronger supplier engagement, and collaborative industry standards to deliver infrastructure that is sustainable.
Our services
- Product Carbon Footprint tool development
- Scope 3 emissions modelling
- Supply chain engagement and collaboration
- Net zero strategy integration
- Science-based target validation