Open Fiber, controlled by Cassa depositi e prestiti (Cdp) and the main operator involved in the construction of theFTTH fiber infrastructure (Fiber To The Home), has published its third Sustainability Report, in which he describes the company's business approach and contribution to technological innovation and the creation of shared value both through the creation of a cutting-edge infrastructure and through relationships with territories and communities, institutions, partners and suppliers, universities and research centres.
By 2022, 15,5 million real estate units will be covered
At the end of 2022 Open Fiber has covered 15,5 million property units (of which 13 million in FTTH and 2,5 in FWA) with the ultra broadband network. The company's ultra-high performance infrastructure can make a real contribution in the achievement of the SDGs ((Sustainable Development Goals), the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to 2030 of the United Nations, thanks to its innovation and technology for the environment, its enabling of innovative services, investment in the growth of people as the engine of the sustainability strategy and responsible business management.
Attention to environmental and energy sustainability
Compared to traditional copper networks, the network of Open Fiber represents a qualitative leap both in terms of environmental and energy sustainability. The company adopts methods of laying the optical fiber with low impact on the territory. Where possible, the reuse of existing infrastructure, carrying out excavations with the least invasive techniques possible (such as the mini-trench, micro-trench, no-dig), reducing both the quantity of materials used and the waste produced. In rural areas, up to 80% of the existing infrastructure has been reused, thus minimizing the environmental impact and inconvenience to the territory. Attention is also paid to the environment during the grid's operation phase, through the implementation of energy efficiency and emission reduction solutions. In 2022 the 100% of the electricity purchased by the company comes from renewable sources. A solution that has made it possible to avoid over 15 tonnes of CO2.
Leading role in the country's digital transformation
Open Fiber is playing a crucial role in the digital transformation of the country. The company considers itself responsible towards all stakeholders, in particular the territories and communities that suffer the most from the digital divide. Another key point for the company is the centrality of people. There have been numerous Welfare and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, remote working, risk prevention and workplace safety initiatives. In 2022, the number of people working in Open Fiber reached 1.571, with over 400 hires, 35% of whom were women. In terms of training, over 57 hours were provided.
Open Fiber's commitment in the field of sustainability and in the implementation of policies and practices for the management of ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues was also confirmed at the beginning of 2023 with theobtaining the ESG Certification from SGS, a company specialized in inspection, verification, analysis and certification services.
"Open Fiber is a sustainable companynot only from an environmental and economic point of view, but also from a social one. In particular, in villages and more isolated areas, where citizens must be able to use the most advanced digital services, just like the inhabitants of large cities. L'infrastructure that we are making throughout Italy is a development drivers for communities, public administrations and productive activities, from tourism to industry 4.0 up to the monitoring of territories and smart agriculture. Furthermore, in a moment of particular attention to energy issues, we must not forget that optical fiber is a green technology in itself which allows for energy savings of over 80% compared to the use of copper networks" he commented Mario Rossetti, Chief Executive Officer of Open Fiber.
