Wildanet and Dynamic Fibre are pioneering a fibre-optic cable-laying process in Cornwall which will reduce the carbon footprint of street works in the county.
Wildanet is rolling FTTP network across Cornwall with Dynamic Fibre, one of a select group of specialist build contractors responsible for the installation of the new digital infrastructure.
Dynamic Fibre has secured approval from Cornwall Council highways to use a sustainable trench excavation and reinstatement process – known as SMR (Structural Material for Reinstatement) - which recycles dug material back into excavations, after mixing it with a special binder.
The environmental benefits are significant, with each kilometre of trenching using the SMR technique allowing minimal excavated material being sent to landfill, less use of quarried aggregates and fewer lorry movements, and 50 per cent less asphalt needed.
The move to introduce a more sustainable approach to its street works comes as Wildanet earlier this year became the first UK based AltNet (Alternative Network Provider) to become a Certified B Corporation.
The certification recognises Wildanet's commitment to prioritising sustainability, ethical practices and social responsibility as part of its successful ‘profit with purpose’ approach to business.
Wildanet’s commitment to working with its supply chain to develop sustainable practices has contributed towards Dynamic Fibre setting up a recycling hub in Cornwall where it recycles and remixes SMR for use on both its own works and to be made available to other utilities and street works contractors working in the county.
Julie-Anne Sunderland of Wildanet, said: “As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to building sustainability into the heart of everything we do.
“We hope that by supporting this initiative we will encourage and enable the adoption of more sustainable practices by other organisations and contractors across the county.”
