euNetworks has announced the introduction of two new environmental performance targets within its Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL), designed to strengthen the connection between sustainability and the way the company designs and delivers new network infrastructure.
The revised framework introduces Network Development ‘Impact by Design’ Plans, which embed sustainability considerations into the earliest stages of major network development projects, alongside a target focused on continuous improvement in euNetworks’ GRESB infrastructure benchmark score. The existing gender diversity target remains unchanged.
The new targets complement, rather than replace, euNetworks’ existing sustainability commitments which include its validated Science Based Targets, Net Zero by 2040 commitment, supplier engagement programme and investment in carbon measurement tools. The new targets are designed to focus on the areas where euNetworks has the most influence and can create the greatest long-term impact. Together, the SLL targets and existing commitments encourage practical actions that influence both suppliers and customers while improving transparency and decision-making across the value chain.
Network Development Impact by Design Plans
The Network Development Impact by Design Plans target will apply to major network development projects that require significant construction of new network infrastructure. These projects represent a large proportion of euNetworks’ annual capital investment and approximately two-thirds of the company’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions currently.
The target will aim to reduce the environmental impact of these major projects by working with customers and construction partners in the design stage to evaluate lower-carbon materials, construction techniques and supplier solutions before project specifications are finalised. By implementing this framework for major construction projects, euNetworks will ensure that sustainability considerations become part of commercial and engineering decisions while also balancing cost, delivery times and customer requirements.
GRESB Score Improvement
The new target for continuous GRESB score improvement will allow euNetworks to align its governance, environmental management and operational performance to an internationally recognised benchmark that relates specifically to infrastructure. This target will enable euNetworks to focus on its infrastructure-led growth model while driving meaningful ESG improvements, and aligns directly with the ‘Impact by Design’ Network Development plans.
Marisa Trisolino, CEO of euNetworks, said: “Our new SLL targets mark an important step in euNetworks’ commitment to growing our business sustainably, focusing our efforts on the areas where we can deliver the greatest impact. The introduction of our NetDev Impact by Design Plans represents a significant evolution in how we approach major network development projects, embedding sustainability considerations from the very beginning of the design and planning process. This is complemented by our GRESB score improvement target, which provides a rigorous measure of ESG performance for organisations delivering infrastructure-led growth. Together, these targets will help us drive meaningful emissions reductions across euNetworks, for our customers and for our wider supply chain.”
About euNetworks’ Sustainability-Linked Loan
euNetworks first established its Sustainability-Linked Loan of €760 million in 2021 to support the expansion of its fibre network infrastructure across Europe. The funding was refinanced and expanded in 2024 to €1.26 billion, backed by a syndicate of infrastructure-focused lenders. Under the revised structure, the loan will continue to incentivise measurable sustainability progress through three targets: gender diversity, GRESB score improvement and Network Development Impact by Design Plans, ensuring sustainability remains closely linked to the company’s long-term growth strategy.
