We are working on a number of special initiatives in Openreach to enhance our sustainability credentials, one of which is the new Super Shovel, which we are using as part of our rollout of the UK's largest Fibre network investment. The Super Shovel reduces Fibre installation time from a week to only two days - you can find out more here
We are trialling a new type of plinth named 'Polybase' for our roadside cabinets, and as this is made of recycled materials rather than concrete, we no longer have to wait until the concrete sets. If this trial is successful, it means our Fibre rollout could potentially be done quicker, with fewer visits per cabinet needed which in turn means fewer truck rolls. There is more technical information about the trial here
In the spirit of the old making way for the new, our Fibre work is being funded in part by the successful Copper Cable Recovery Programme, which last year recovered 60,251 tonnes of copper cable.
We are keen to recycle wherever possible, so we have been investigating how to use the 'white space' which is gradually being left vacant by the switchover to analogue television signals this year. Early signs from our trials on the Isle of Bute are encouraging and there’s more information here
We see our work for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to inspire and support people to change the way they live, learn, work, do business and travel and so create a more sustainable society. A focus on sustainability was a key promise when we bid for the Games, and it has guided our involvement ever since. We believe the Games should only be called sustainable if there is a sustainable legacy.
We have installed fibre in 2,818 Olympic Village apartments and copper at the Olympic Village, and installed a BT hub which gives access to 100mb broadband speed. The apartments will become private/affordable housing after the Olympics. You can read more about this here
If you would like to know more about our sustainability work, please contact Ian Hill or read our Better Future report
