Virgin Mobile KSA customers say they are highly concerned about climate change, and it is very important for mobile phone operators to reduce emissions and have carbon offsetting policies in place, according to a new survey conducted by the company.
Technology has played an important role in helping people be more productive and efficient while opening new ways for consumers to communicate and experience entertainment. However, these benefits also come with a significant impact on the environment.
In fact, the GSM Association, an industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide, recognizes the urgency of tackling climate change and members – including Virgin Mobile KSA – are taking action to mitigate the impact of the industry on the environment. Virgin Mobile KSA takes this issue seriously, which is why it has successfully implemented a series of environmentally friendly initiatives in the last year.
With world leaders gathering in Scotland for the COP26 climate conference, awareness of the impact of telecommunication technology on the environment has increased. As part of its ongoing commitment to neutralize the impact of Virgin Mobile KSA’s business operations on the environment, the company conducted a telephone survey of 681 customers in Saudi Arabia to gauge their views on the topic.
“The results of our survey of mobile phone customers in the Kingdom found that they are aware and concerned about the impact of climate change and are willing to take steps to help tackle the issue,” said Yaarob Al Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Mobile KSA.
“By harnessing the willingness of consumers with well-planned carbon offsetting policies, mobile operators can make a real impact in helping protect the environment. At Virgin Mobile KSA we have done extensive work on developing programs that demonstrate our commitment to making a difference in the markets we serve.”
In the last year Virgin Mobile KSA has fully eliminated single use plastics from SIM and recharge cards in KSA and expects to hit the same target for all its operations by the end of 2021. The company is also working towards sourcing biodegradable SIM and recharge cards this year and have recently completed an audit of its vendors to ensure they too are meeting these business standards.
“These efforts are fully in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and under the Saudi Green Initiative the Kingdom is taking a multidimensional approach to reducing its carbon emissions. This is being done by implementing energy efficiency programs, developing carbon capture technology, increasing public transportation, and growing its renewable energy capacity. Thanks to the wise leadership of the Kingdom, momentum is gathering towards the implementation of sustainable policies,” added Mr. Al Sayegh.
According to the majority of survey respondents, climate change is an important issue that mobile phone operators should do more to tackle. When asked on their personal concern for climate change issues, just over 55% said they were “very concerned” or “concerned” about the issue with the same amount saying they were “committed” or “very committed” to sustainability in their daily lives.
Furthermore, almost 59% said they had thought about the impact of using their mobile phones, the internet, fixed lines and other telecommunications services had on the environment. However, those surveyed were unsure whether businesses could make a real difference to climate change with 44% saying it would “maybe” have an impact and 40% believing they could.
A third of respondents said carbon emissions was the main issue they personally wanted to support and contribute to mitigating. This was followed by climate change (28%), preservation of marine life (20%) and desertification and deforestation (18%).
The vast majority believe it is important for their mobile phone operator to have a carbon offsetting program that can counteract the climate impact of its business with 70% saying it was “very important” or “important.” Just over 50% of those questioned believe supporting businesses with sustainability programs can make a real difference to climate change.
Taking this a step further almost 73% said they were “highly likely” or “likely” to change their purchasing habits to support companies that focus on sustainable eco-friendly business. In fact, almost 46% said they would be willing to pay an additional SAR 5 a month to support a mobile operator that had a sustainability program to offset carbon emissions.
The findings of this survey have revealed a real interest among customers in the Kingdom to take active steps to tackle climate change. Well thought-out carbon offsetting programs such as Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa’s initiative to remove over 50 tons of single-use plastic across the region and its operations in Oman and Saudi Arabia now 100% single-use plastic free, can appeal to consumers who want to do their part to support.
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