Press release: Sustainability Charter launch

Seventeen leading telecommunications operators officially signed the ETNO Sustainability Charter at the first European conference on telecommunications and sustainability, hosted in Budapest on 25-26 November 2004.

26 November, 2004

European telecom operators commit to high standards on sustainability

Budapest – Seventeen leading telecommunications operators[1] officially signed the ETNO* Sustainability Charter at the first European conference on telecommunications and sustainability, hosted in Budapest on November 25-26 by Hungarian telecommunications operator, Matav. During the conference, the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association also officially joined the UN Global Compact Initiative on sustainability. Members of this initiative commit to respect a series of key principles in the fields of human rights, environmental protection, labour and the fight against corruption.

"The adoption of the Sustainability Charter, which replaces ETNO Environmental Charter launched in 1996, further illustrates the telecommunications industry commitment to integrate sustainability and corporate social responsibility into their business culture and strategies. In the near future, more companies are expected to join the Charter which is open to all operators, including non-ETNO members", said Michael Bartholomew, ETNO Director.

By adhering to the Sustainability Charter, signatories commit to continuously improving performance and to sharing best practices in areas, such as: awareness raising; regulatory compliance; research and development of products and services contributing to sustainable development; environment friendly procurement rules; accountability; cooperation with all stakeholders; establishment of environment management systems and employee relations.

ETNO will issue a sustainability report every two years highlighting progress made by the Charter signatories in each of these fields. The latest ETNO Environmental Report will be issued early next year.

About 130 delegates - including telecommunications operators, Commission officials, NGOs – attended this first conference on Telecommunications and Sustainability, that highlighted the contribution of telecommunications industries to sustainability through their commitment to improve their environmental and social performance. The telecommunications sector also plays an essential role in the three pillars of sustainability by investing in the development of products and services which, by nature, contribute to a reduced environmental impact and to social inclusion. 

For more information on ETNO activities related to sustainability, please consult www.etno.be or contact:

Thierry Dieu, Communications Manager
Tel: (32-2) 219 32 42 
Fax: (32-2) 219 64 12   
E-mail: dieu@etno.be

* ETNO’s 41 member companies from 34 European countries represent a significant part of total ICT activity in Europe. They account for an aggregate turnover of more than 190 billion Euros and employ more than one million people across Europe. ETNO companies are the main drivers of broadband and are committed to its continual growth in Europe.

[1] BT, Cesky Telecom, CYTA, Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom, KPN, Maltacom, MATAV, Portugal Telecom, Slovak Telecom, Swisscom, TDC, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Telekom Austria, Telenor and TeliaSonera