Eco-Friendly Broadband: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Broadband technology has long been heralded for its transformative abilities in the realm of communication, business, and leisure. Today, its significance takes on even greater weight as industries and consumers alike recognise the need for more sustainable, eco-conscious choices. FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) broadband, often referred to as eco-friendly broadband, embodies this new era of technological advancements that prioritise both efficiency and environmental responsibility.  

FTTH Council Global Alliance's Commitment to Sustainability

On April 24, 2023, the FTTH Council Global Alliance (FCGA) unveiled the results of its comprehensive Sustainability Survey, spotlighting the varying stages of telecom initiatives worldwide. Yet, amidst the diversity, one constant stood out: fibre's intrinsic eco-friendly attributes. The survey's findings, which can be found in the webinar on our website, send a clear message to the telecom industry – as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) agendas progress, the sustainable qualities of fibre will be instrumental. 

The FCGA is an alliance of six regional FTTH Councils united by the ambition to fast-track the adoption of fibre broadband. Their collective vision encompasses regions like Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and MENA, providing a panoramic view of global sustainability efforts within the telecom industry. It is a concerted endeavour to gauge the sector's dedication to sustainability and to decipher the milestones achieved regionally. 

Pertinently, a Boston Consulting Group report highlighted the ICT sector's sizeable carbon footprint, accounting for 3-4% of global emissions - double the emissions of the aviation sector. However, in a positive turn, research by RVA, LLC and the Fibre Broadband Association indicated that FTTH leads to a 34% drop in internet-related CO2 emissions. Fibre broadband, therefore, emerges as a champion, consuming lesser energy than many other broadband technologies. 

Key insights from the Sustainability Survey included:

• Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) to fibre-to-the-Home transitions as a strategy to augment sustainability. 
• Adoption of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology by companies to pinpoint areas of sustainability enhancement. 
• Ambitious targets set by numerous companies to achieve at least a 40% decrease in GHG emissions by 2030, with sights set on net zero by 2040. 
• Interestingly, regional disparities in sustainability priorities were evident. For instance: 
• 81% of Europe respondents confirmed having an ESG/CSR strategy, followed by 45% in LATAM and much lower percentages in North America, MENA, and Asia Pacific. 
• Specific Asia Pacific respondents are aiming for net-zero by 2035 for certain emissions, along with a 60% GHG emissions reduction by 2030. 
• Several European entities are exploring the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for best practices in emissions reduction. 

Ethical Broadband: An Integral Component of a Conscious Digital Era

In tandem with sustainable technological advancements, there is a growing momentum behind "ethical broadband." The concept of ethical broadband extends beyond mere environmental sustainability. Broadband infrastructure should be established with minimal disruption to local communities, materials should be sourced responsibly, fair working conditions should be ensured for everyone in the supply chain, and digital access should always be maintained as a right, not a privilege.  

Companies that adopt ethical broadband practices show a clear understanding that their responsibilities extend beyond providing fast internet. They recognise their role in creating a more equitable digital landscape where respect for people and planet takes precedence. The integration of ethical practices in broadband underscores the industry's broader vision for a world where digital progress and ethical considerations move forward hand in hand. 

Eco-Friendly Fibre: A Competitive Edge in Business-to-Business Engagements

In the business-to-business landscape, sustainability is more than a mere trend; it serves as a distinct factor that can either foster or undermine potential business partnerships. As industries across the board intensify their environmental commitments, the integration of eco-friendly fibre solutions stands out as a testament to a company's dedication to green initiatives.  

For telecom service providers and infrastructure vendors, promoting fibre-based technologies that minimise environmental impact not only resonates with eco-conscious stakeholders but also offers a competitive advantage in business negotiations.  

With corporates increasingly valuing their supply chain's environmental footprint, aligning with partners that prioritise eco-friendly fibre solutions becomes not just a matter of corporate social responsibility but a strategic business move. In this evolving business climate, the marriage of high-speed connectivity and eco-sustainability, as offered by green fibre, sets forward-thinking businesses apart in business-to-business engagements. 

Fibre for the Planet: Championing Sustainability  

Eco-friendly broadband is gaining traction as a pivotal solution in the quest for sustainability. The FTTH Council Europe's Sustainability Working Group emphasises the role of full-fibre connectivity as the most sustainable access network technology.  

In alignment with the European Commission's European Green Deal, which aspires to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, fibre connectivity stands out as a crucial asset. It bridges the gap between digital advancement and sustainability goals.  

Full-fibre is not only the most sustainable telecommunication infrastructure technology but also a fundamental requirement for realising the European Green Deal's objectives. This perspective is gaining momentum, with both policymakers and private organisations within the FTTH value chain recognising the imperative to collaboratively foster a more sustainable society. 

The Council's initiative, "Fibre for the Planet”, showcases successful business cases and best practices, highlighting the industry's concrete actions to minimise its carbon footprint. To delve deeper into this initiative and contribute to the cause, consider becoming a member of the FTTH Council Europe.

The Path Ahead for Eco-Friendly Broadband 

As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancement and environmental responsibility, it is evident that the future of broadband lies in eco-friendly and ethically conscious solutions. Fibre-to-the-Home technology not only promises superior connectivity but also heralds a new era of reduced carbon emissions and a commitment to ethical standards in the digital domain.  

Businesses are recognising the multifaceted advantages of adopting sustainable practices, making it an imperative rather than just a trend.  

For a deeper insight into this transformation, we invite you to watch our webinar that sheds light on the promising future of eco-friendly broadband and read our policies for a sustainable and digital Europe.