On the occasion of World Environment Day, Open Fiber presents its 2024 Sustainability Report and its first Sustainability Plan: a decisive step in integrating innovation, positive impact, and corporate responsibility into Italy’s ecological transition.
Environmental and social challenges raise new questions about the impact of our activities on the Planet, but they also offer great opportunities for growth. In this context, Open Fiber chooses to take responsibility, with vision and commitment.
The new Sustainability Plan, approved by the Board of Directors and validated by the Sustainability Committee, is an important step toward a growth model that places people and the Planet at the center.
The Company’s ESG strategy goes beyond words: it is built on measurable, concrete choices. Through double materiality analysis, we evaluate not only the impact of our activities on the environment in which we operate, but also how sustainability influences our development prospects.
A Fiber Network for a More Connected Italy
Open Fiber is committed to bridging the digital divide by creating a fiber optic infrastructure of the highest capacity, reliability, and efficiency. A widespread, secure, low-impact, and above all future proof network, designed to support all innovative technologies of tomorrow.
By the end of 2024, the Company connected 18.7 million housing units to ultra-broadband and reached over 6,600 small towns and 503 municipalities in industrial districts, ensuring fair access for citizens and businesses through our wholesale-only model.
As of December 31, 2024, Open Fiber had built over 84,500 km of network — 94% of the total development plan — and more than 9,900 km of new network. This milestone reflects our daily effort to build a new normal in which technology becomes a tool for cohesion, growth, and participation.
Fiber Optics as a Key to Ecological and Responsible Transition
Open Fiber renews its commitment to the environment and climate, contributing to the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
Compared to copper networks, FTTH technology consumes less energy and requires fewer maintenance interventions. For several years, 100% of the energy purchased by Open Fiber has come from renewable sources, and in 2023 all remaining Scope 1 and 2 emissions were fully offset. This represents another key step in the Company’s Net Zero Plan, which targets net zero emissions by 2040, in line with SBTi standards. The Energy Plan also aims to improve the efficiency of energy resource management.
Open Fiber carefully oversees every phase of fiber optic network deployment. From the choice of materials to installation and excavation techniques, designed to minimize environmental impact. Moreover, the network is composed of “passive” elements that do not require continuous energy, further reducing consumption.
People at the Center
We know that real change toward sustainability begins with people. The Company continues to strengthen internal policies on well-being, health, safety, and gender equality, as confirmed by certifications such as UNI/PdR 125:2022, ISO 45001, Great Place to Work, and Top Employer.
In 2024, Open Fiber introduced a new strategic orientation that inspires every business activity. At its core are the Triple A values: Ambition, Action, and Accountability, coupled with Team Spirit, to lead the digital transformation. In this framework, numerous personal and professional growth initiatives encouraged collaboration, including Digital and Individual Coaching.
Over 83,000 hours of training were delivered through personalized programs covering key topics such as HSE, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. Training also addressed business process improvements aimed at achieving certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt (ISO 18404:2019 standard), Agile PM, and Project Management.
We believe that a more human organization is also stronger and more innovative. We promote work-life balance and integration through initiatives supporting parenting, smart working, open welfare, and tools to improve physical and mental well-being, fostering a more sustainable work culture for all.
Stakeholders, Governance, and Transparency: A Network of Trust
Our Sustainability Plan places stakeholder dialogue at its core, including through the new Stakeholder Engagement Policy, which formalizes the central role of involving all players in our value chain.
We are part of the UN Global Compact, a Value Chain Leader Partner of the Open-es alliance, and have been awarded the Platinum Medal in the EcoVadis ESG rating, with scores above the industry average.
Corporate responsibility and the creation of shared value are also reflected in our ability to build strong, long-lasting relationships with suppliers, customers, institutions, and communities. For this reason, developing a sustainable value chain is one of the declared priorities of the Sustainability Plan, which includes objectives dedicated to ethical procurement, low-impact logistics, and decarbonization.
Technology Serving Sustainability and Communities
At Open Fiber, “innovation” means putting technology at the service of real and sustainable change. In 2024, the Company stood out on multiple fronts: from record speed tests at 100 Gbps on FTTH networks – the first in Italy and among the first in Europe – to advanced scientific projects such as MEGLIO, developed with INRiM and INGV, which uses fiber optics as a seismic sensor.
Our commitment to research and development also takes shape through the RESTART innovation program, funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The program explores areas such as quantum key distribution, smart grids, and edge computing, reinforcing the role of fiber optics as an enabling infrastructure for advanced, reliable, and secure services.
Open Fiber’s fiber network is also a driver of social inclusion. Improving quality of life and offering equal opportunities across the country are central objectives of the Sustainability Plan. Enabling smart working even in small towns, telemedicine, improving school connectivity, and providing coverage to the most remote areas are concrete examples.
The fiber network also enables technologies such as 5G and IoT, supporting projects like “Borghi Digitali” In Pitigliano, Tuscany, Open Fiber will help transform the town into a real Smart City, with advanced digital services for the community.
The Future Runs on Fiber Optics
In Italy’s digital transition, Open Fiber continues to play its part. With the goal of completing the “Piano Italia a 1 Giga” and expanding the Ultra-Broadband Plan (BUL Plan) even into the country’s White Areas, the Company is making fiber optics an innovation that creates opportunities, improves quality of life, reduces environmental impact, and builds a more connected and resilient nation.
The 2024 Sustainability Report is not just a document to report results. It tells the story of a vision in motion, where fiber optics become the foundation of a country ready to face the future.
If you want to learn more about Open Fiber’s sustainability results, download the full report.
