Our Digital Lives Using More Energy Than Ever 

Today’s world is on the internet. From video meetings and cloud storage to streaming and smart devices, our digital activity is growing nonstop. But behind every click is an energy cost. Many traditional internet technologies, like copper-based cable and DSL, weren’t built for this level of demand. They require more power to operate, more frequent maintenance, and repeated upgrades that strain both budgets and the environment. 

For businesses and households trying to operate more sustainably, outdated internet infrastructure becomes an invisible obstacle. While not often the top selling point, fiber is a great answer to building a sustainable network for your business.  

Speed Without Sustainability Isn’t Enough 

Over the years, there continues to be a push for businesses to think about their carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and invest in long-term solutions. Yet internet connectivity is often overlooked in sustainability conversations. The truth is that your network choice can play  a meaningful role in energy use, emissions, and electronic waste. 

Why Fiber Internet Is Different 

Unlike copper-based networks (which is your common cable internet connection), fiber uses light, not electricity, to transmit data. This fundamental difference makes fiber dramatically more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly from day one. 

Here’s how fiber supports a more sustainable future: 

  • Energy Efficiency: Fiber networks consume significantly less power to deliver higher speeds, reducing overall energy demand. 
  • Long-Lasting Infrastructure: Fiber cables can last decades without needing replacement, minimizing construction waste and resource consumption. 
  • Future-Proof Capacity: Fiber can scale to meet growing bandwidth needs without constant hardware overhauls, avoiding repeated upgrades and e-waste. 

Build a Network That Lasts 

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing today’s impact; it’s about making smart investments that hold up over time. Fiber internet supports long-term growth without the cycle of rip-and-replace upgrades common with legacy networks. One installation can serve evolving needs for years, even decades. 

That means fewer disruptions, fewer materials consumed, and a smaller environmental footprint overall. 

How 123NET Delivers Sustainable Fiber Connectivity 

123NET Fiber Internet is built with performance and reliability in mind. By investing in a modern, Michigan-based fiber network, 123NET helps organizations: 

  • Create high-capacity networks with highly efficient fiber infrastructure 
  • Rely on durable, long-life network assets that scale with businesses 

Backed by local engineering teams and a purpose-built fiber network, 123NET delivers connectivity that’s better for business and better for the planet. 

A Real-World Example: Connectivity That Complements Net-Zero Design 

123NET contributes to sustainable projects like the Veridian at County Farm, a regenerative, all-electric community designed around sustainability, equity, and climate-focused living. 

At the Veridian, developers reimagined a former industrial site as one of the nation’s first mixed-income, net-zero energy, fossil-fuel-free neighborhoods, complete with rooftop solar, battery storage, and climate-smart design. As part of that vision, 123NET delivered fiber internet across the entire community, ensuring every resident, from students and remote workers to families in affordable housing, has access to fast, reliable connectivity that supports education, work, and daily life without compromising sustainability goals. 

By integrating modern fiber infrastructure into net-zero developments like Veridian, 123NET demonstrates how faster connectivity can also be greener connectivity by reducing energy inefficiencies, supporting long-lasting technology, and enhancing quality of life in communities built for the future. 

Learn more about how 123NET’s Fiber can make a difference in your community: https://www.123.net/home-fiber-internet/internet-as-an-amenity/