Wildanet is currently rolling out its own Full Fibre broadband network across Cornwall with Dynamic Fibre, one of a select group of contractors responsible for the physical installation of this much-needed new digital infrastructure.

Now 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 result is minimal excavated material being sent to landfill; less use of quarried aggregates; a halving of lorry movements; and 50 per cent less asphalt needed to finish the top layer of footways.

The environmental benefits are significant, with each kilometre of trenching using the SMR technique saving an estimated:

• 153 tonnes of excavated material going to landfill
• 153 tonnes of quarried aggregate
• 32 tonnes of asphalt
• 20 fewer HGV lorry movements

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 prestigious certification recognises Wildanet's commitment to operating as a force for good, 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 in turn 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: “Wildanet’s mission is to transform internet connectivity for rural and hard-to-reach communities in Cornwall, through the roll-out of the latest generation gigabit-enabled fibre to the premises, and to do so in the most sustainable way possible.

“As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to building sustainability into the heart of everything we do. We are delighted to be working with Dynamic Fibre on the introduction of SMR into street works in Cornwall. We hope that by supporting this initiative we will not only improve the sustainability of our own network build but encourage and enable the adoption of more sustainable practices by other organisations and contractors across the county.”

Dynamic Fibre is a leading contracting company for the telecommunications sector, bringing huge experience in fibre splicing, fibre cabling and civil works. John McGrath, Dynamic Fibre UK Operations Director, said: “Wildanet is a company with strong values and our partnership has seen us working well together as we support them with the roll out of their Full Fibre network in Cornwall.

“It has allowed us to be innovative in introducing more sustainable practices into the street works we are carrying out for Wildanet, with SMR being an excellent example of this. The benefits SMR brings in terms of fewer transport movements, less waste going to landfill and a reduction in the requirement for quarried material are significant. For example, over the initial 22km of installations we have carried out for Wildanet, that’s the equivalent of 440 lorry movements saved which is a considerable reduction in the environmental footprint of the network roll-out.”