Nicki Lyons Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer VodafoneThree

resold or donated to charities, supporting both environmental and social objectives. For example, donated devices can be distributed to individuals who cannot afford new technology. It also aligns with broader industry efforts to reduce electronic waste, one of the fastestgrowing waste streams globally.

Balancing sustainability with commercial realities As a senior executive in a commercial organisation, Nicki emphasises the importance of aligning sustainability with business objectives. She rejects the idea of sustainability as an add-on.“ I never want sustainability to be the lipstick on negative commercial practices,” Nicki says.

Instead, she advocates for integrating sustainability into core business strategy. This includes identifying opportunities where environmental and social benefits align with financial performance.

For instance, extending device lifecycles can reduce costs, create new revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty. Similarly, improving network efficiency can lower energy consumption while supporting decarbonisation targets. Nicki sees this alignment as essential for long-term success – when sustainability initiatives also deliver commercial value, they are more likely to be sustained and scaled.

The role of partnerships in delivering impact Partnerships play a central role in VodafoneThree’ s strategy, for example the company collaborates with organisations such as National Parks. The partnership focuses on demonstrating how technology can support nature and ensure more people feel connected to it.

Telecommunications networks are critical during emergencies, enabling communication and coordination. By strengthening these capabilities, VodafoneThree aims to enhance resilience.

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