IHS to Reduce Carbon Emission, Spends $7m on Sustainability Initiatives

Emma Okonji

IHS Holding Limited, has published its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting how it has reduced its carbon emission by 11 per cent, having spent as much as $7 million on community-focused sustainability initiatives in one year.

The report, which covers sustainability activities from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, is in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and maps the company’s sustainability initiatives to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The report also highlighted the environmental, social and governance (ESG) related progress made by IHS.

According to the report, IHS continues to execute on its carbon reduction roadmap, reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately six per cent compared with 2022, with an 11 per cent approximate reduction in emissions intensity since 2021. It also powered 48 per cent of its sites with hybrid power systems that combine diesel generators with solar and/or battery systems, and maintained responsible management of its waste streams, including 20,044 batteries recycled.

In the area of socials, IHS spent $7 million on community-focused sustainability initiatives, and reduced Road Traffic Accident Frequency (RTAF) rate by seven per cent and reported zero fatalities. It also increased female representation with females comprising 27 per cent of employees and 28 per cent of managers across the group. It strengthened supplier due diligence to include screening new suppliers for environmental and social criteria, and continued in its commitment to education through several initiatives like the Expansion of UNICEF Giga partnership to Brazil, to help Giga map and connect more schools to the internet.

Commenting on the report, Chairman and CEO, IHS Towers, Sam Darwish, said: “Since 2017, we have invested more than $29 million in community-focused initiatives as part of our comprehensive sustainability programme. We are proud to help bring millions of people the power of mobile connectivity, promoting economic growth, social development, and access to critical public services.”

He added: “As we entered the second year of Project Green, the current phase of our Carbon Reduction Roadmap, we directed considerable effort towards reducing our environmental footprint. This included a reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately six per cent compared with 2022. Looking back on 2023, we are pleased with our progress and continue to reflect, refine, and enhance our sustainability strategy today for the benefit of all stakeholders.”