Open Fiber, the company responsible for the construction of the FTTH fiber infrastructure controlled by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), has published its fourth sustainability report, document that monitors the Esg performance (Environmental, Social and Governance). In 2023, Open Fiber has achieved numerous sustainability milestones, includingapproval of the Net Zero Plan. This ambitious plan aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, thus confirming the company's commitment to fighting climate change.
Open Fiber: the 2023 sustainability report
The report highlights the territorial impacts of Open Fiber in supporting the digital development of the country, including marketing in 5.840 small municipalities, coverage of 178 "very white" municipalities previously without ADSL connectivity, and the connection of approximately 21.000 schools and 1.570 healthcare facilities. Furthermore, partnerships for the digitalisation of Public Administration and business development are highlighted.
Particular emphasis is given to the innovation, with projects such as Backbone 2.0, Edge Data Center, and participation in national and international research programs such as Restart and 5G coverage along transport corridors – Frejus. Other projects include the development of smart cities, digital villages, smart grids, fiber sensing and digital twins.
The workforce and female presence is growing
The document describes the strengthening the strategy involving stakeholders on environmental issues, promoting continuous dialogue with customers and local administrations. It focuses on increasing thecompany staff (+10% for Open Fiber SpA and +42% for Open Fiber Network Solutions, with a female presence 33% and 28% respectively). Furthermore, it highlights the enhancement of training and skills development, with over 83.000 hours of training and a 46% increase compared to 2022, corresponding to over 47 hours per capita.
The commitment to p. is also importantpromotion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and in the well-being of employees, through listening channels, parenting and caregiving support, prevention campaigns, and projects for female empowerment. The growth of workplace health and safety culture through the CARE Program is also highlighted
Open Fiber awards
Open Fiber recently got various certifications important, including the Energy Management System according to ISO 50001, gender equality according to UNI/PdR 125, the Information Security Management System according to ISO 27001, the Greenhouse Gas Inventory according to ISO 14064- 1, and the ESG Certification. Furthermore, it confirmed the certifications for the Quality, Health and Safety and Environment management systems according to the ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
The company has also been recognized for its human resources management policies, obtaining the Top Employers Italia from the Top Employers Institute and the Great Place To Work recognition.
Ciocca, Open Fiber: "sustainability is a pillar of our development plan"
“Sustainability, in its many meanings, is a pillar of Open Fiber's development plan,” he commented Paul Ciocca, President of Open Fiber. “With the Sustainability Report we want to communicate to all our stakeholders, in a transparent manner, our commitments, the initiatives undertaken and the results obtained in an area that is increasingly strategic in the market and in society. Open Fiber is a sustainable company due to the very nature of its business - which contributes to the digitalisation of the country and the elimination of the distances between the center and the periphery - but it is also sustainable in the care of its people and in the responsible management of the value chain" .
