We see broadband as key to achieving a sustainable world whereby communication technology helps to reduce the usage of natural resources. Traveling and commuting can be reduced by a well-established fiber infrastructure, resulting in a lower CO2 footprint. For example, broadband over fiber has the power to bring all the work related resources people need into their home.
Fiber is the most energy efficient solution
There are different communication solutions throughout the world. It is no secret that each of these solutions consume energy. A study done by the IDATE DiGiWorld in 2022 shows that fiber is the most efficient solution when it comes to energy consumption.
More specifically, fiber consumes 3 times less energy than xDSL and 10 times less than 4G access technology. Meaning besides the advantages of fiber itself, deploying a fiber network is very sustainable compared to other broadband technologies.
Silver rating from EcoVadis
As of 21st of September Genexis received a silver medal for the EcoVadis sustainability assessment.
Meaning we are in the top 23% of all rated companies in the Manufacture of communication equipment industry!
EcoVadis is the world’s largest provider of business sustainability ratings, rating more than 100,000+ companies. They rate companies based on four themes: Environment, Labor & Human rights, Business Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
Sustainability workgroup
In 2022 Genexis has created a sustainability workgroup to structure and professionalize the topic within the company. To get the most support and input from the whole organization, the workgroup consists of a multidisciplinary team.
The main goals of the workgroup are to create a company-wide vision regarding sustainability, setting targets, and stimulating & supporting teams to translate this vision into concrete actions for day-to-day business.
One of our workgroup members, Martijn Rooijakkers, is also active in the Sustainability Working Group from the FTTH Council.
Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set by the United Nations General Assembly, are used to steer and organize our sustainable activities. These 17 SDGs are designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”.
The three main SDGs that we act on are:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
Genexis sustainability themes
Based on the three Sustainability Development Goals we created four sustainability themes within Genexis. These 4 themes are:
Product design: Designing our products to reduce our ecological footprint.
Assembly and Logistics: Lowering our environmental impact in the way we assemble and transport our products.
Supply chain: Work together with our suppliers and partners to reduce the environmental footprint of our supply chain.
Business operations: Conducting our business at Genexis in a sustainable matter.
Within those 4 themes, Genexis is undertaking and planning multiple activities to reduce its environmental footprint.
Charging stations for electric vehicles
An example of the theme ‘Business Operations’ is stimulating the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Therefore, we want to provide our visitors and employees the opportunity to charge their EV when they come to our office.
To make this possible, we installed four double charging stations for electric vehicles in the parking lot of Genexis HQ in Eindhoven.
So when visiting us, feel free to come in your EV!
Using recycled plastics
An example for the theme ‘Product Design’ is the use of recycled plastics. Throughout our portfolio we are implementing the use of recycled plastics in our hardware. We see this as a great opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint, as it is widely available and the same specifications can be met as virgin plastics.
One example is a custom-made product for KPN, the Tier-1 network operator in the Netherlands. One of KPN’s goals is to use almost 100% reusable materials by 2025. To support KPN in this goal, Genexis developed a Network Terminator (NT) which uses >98% recycled plastics for the products housing.
This full case is also published on the website of the FTTH Council – sustainability.
