Net Zero Plan
Open Fiber’s Net Zero Plan: net zero emissions by 2040
Fiber optic is a sustainable and future proof technology that plays a key role in the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement to limit global warming within 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels. At the Paris conference, it was agreed that it is necessary to implement strategies to achieve decarbonisation by 2050 in order to fight climate change.
Open Fiber can play an important role in this challenge. Fibre optic technology, in fact, requires more than 60% less energy compared to traditional networks, resulting in an annual saving of approximately 560 GWh in a scenario of copper networks switch-off. Moreover, thanks to its enabling role, it can positively influence decarbonisation: according to the World Economic Forum, digital technologies can contribute to a 20% reduction in emissions in “high-emitting” sectors.
Open Fiber’s sustainability strategy continues with the approval of its Net Zero Plan, an ambitious company roadmap that aims for zero net emissions by 2040. The plan shows the evolution of the emission profile associated with the company’s direct and indirect activities and describes the necessary actions to reduce its climate footprint.
Open Fiber’s targets
The Earth’s average temperature has risen by over 1°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Taking up the challenge of fighting climate change is complex but inevitable and urgent.
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a partnership promoted by the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the World Resource Institute (WRI), the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), promotes ambitious climate action in the private sector, enabling organisations to set ‘science-base’ reduction targets in line with the commitments made in the Paris Agreement.
With the approval of the Net Zero Plan, Open Fiber is committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by setting reduction targets in line with the SBTi standard, aiming to limit global warming to within 1.5°C.
According to the GHG Protocol, an organization that provides standards, guidelines, and tools for measuring and managing climate-altering emissions, the emissions to be reduced are divided into three scopes:
- Scope 1 – Direct emissions controlled by the Company
- Scope 2 – Indirect emissions related to energy consumption
- Scope 3 – Indirect emissions from the company’s value chain, i.e. its supply chain
Open Fiber’s carbon footprint can be reduced to achieve “net zero” through a series of direct emissions reduction actions and so-called “enabling actions”—initiatives whose primary goal is not decarbonisation but which can have an impact on emission reductions by involving stakeholders in the value chain.
Based on these projections, Open Fiber has approved near- and long-term emission reduction targets in line with the maximum ambition level identified by SBTi:
- Overall Net-Zero Target – Open Fiber S.p.A. commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain by 2040
- Near-Term Targets – Open Fiber S.p.A. commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2022 base year. Additionally, Open Fiber S.p.A. commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% within the same timeframe
- Long-term Targets – Open Fiber S.p.A. commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 from a 2022 base year. Furthermore, Open Fiber S.p.A. commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by the same timeframe
In October 2024, the Net Zero targets were validated and publicly recognized by the Science Based Targets initiative as being consistent with the scientific climate evidence. This significant achievement strengthens the credibility of Open Fiber’s decarbonisation strategy and officially aligns its emission reduction targets with the 1.5°C trajectory and their achievement by 2040.
Net Zero Plan: concrete actions
Adopting the Net Zero Plan means taking a series of actions that Open Fiber has already put in place to achieve its goal: net zero emissions by 2040. A decarbonisation strategy that will affect not only directly managed and controlled activities, but also its own value chain.
To achieve this target, the Net Zero Plan includes a series of actions in line with the SBTi approach:
- To reduce direct and indirect emissions of its carbon footprint by 2040.
- To fund climate action by investing in projects that generate certified carbon credits beyond the value chain.
- To ensure the adoption of carbon removals to neutralise residual emissions
Beyond Value Chain Mitigation
In line with the Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM) strategy proposed by SBTi and adopted by the organization within its decarbonisation plan, Open Fiber has implemented mitigation measures outside its value chain, contributing to fund climate action and accelerate the global transition towards zero emissions. These initiatives support other economic and social actors in reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, the company purchased over 4,500 carbon credits which allowed to offset the residual Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for the year 2023. As evidence of the commitment made, the proper offsetting was verified by an independent third-party by issuing the relevant certification.
Open Fiber and environmental sustainability
Open Fiber pays close attention to innovation and technology, without losing sight of environmental sustainability.
Open Fiber’s sustainability strategy is based on nine pillars, including the fight against climate change, alongside the protection and development of human capital, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Governance Systems, Responsible Communication, Sustainable Value Chain, Value for the Community, Circularity, and Innovation and Development.
The fight against climate change consists of a corporate decarbonisation plan to achieve the targets set by the United Nations in the Paris Agreement. This strategy also responds to the challenges of the European Green Deal, the package of strategic initiatives undertaken by the European Union that will lead to a green transition with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Open Fiber is doing its part. Its journey towards a net-zero emissions business continues, and with the validation of its decarbonisation targets by SBTi, Open Fiber is officially recognized for its commitment to contribute to a sustainable world with a Net Zero future.
Open Fiber will not only bring value to areas with fiber optic technology, but will also contribute to protect landscapes and optimise the use of its resources to reduce emissions.
