Following a follow-up audit conducted in December 2022, The Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación (AENOR) verified that Movistar El Salvador continues to comply with a series of requirements and standards to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions in the world, thus revalidating the ISO 14001:2015 certification.

Among the criteria analyzed were the identification and evaluation of environmental aspects and impacts from a life cycle perspective; the definition of operational controls, risk management and opportunities associated with the different activities.

"Leading the telecommunications market not only implies offering the best connectivity for salvadorans, but it is also important to be leaders in the implementation of an environmental strategy that cuts across all areas of our business chain. In this way, we offer added value to our customers, society and the general public; confirming that we work to be an entity of change and protect the environment", explained Eduardo Solórzano, director of Corporate Affairs of Movistar El Salvador.

A relevant aspect of the certification is that it takes into account suppliers, who also acquire environmental commitments as a condition for working with the company.

In this way, environmental certification has a greater impact because it includes the entire value chain.

"Our processes in offices and stores were evaluated, as well as the entire responsible deployment of our new 5G Ready network, confirming that we will not only have the most modern network, but that we are environmentally responsible. In general, we have certified that in the company we are focused on compliance and continuous improvement of our Environmental Management System, adopting practices and commitments for the benefit of citizens", Solórzano said.

Movistar also carries out other actions as part of its commitment to the environment, including the progress made in the implementation of eco-friendly air conditioners in 77% of its workplaces, which protect the ozone layer and have made it possible to recover the R22 gas from previous appliances to prevent its release into the atmosphere.

Movistar also encourages the reduction of paper use throughout its operations. Thanks to the digitalization of its commercial processes, in 2022 alone it managed to save almost 150,000 sheets of paper. Another important aspect to highlight is the implementation of the digital invoice, saving the consumption of more than 93 tons of paper, equivalent to 2,380 trees. In addition, customers also benefit from digitalization through the MiMovistar app, which allows them to make multiple transactions from anywhere, avoiding travel, saving fuel and time.

Movistar's efforts to protect and conserve the environment are also reflected inside, as its collaborators join these initiatives. Since 2017 Movistar offices have been working on separating and recycling waste. As a result, they have recycled over 6 tons of paper, which is equivalent to saving the life of more than 100 trees, and by recycling 0.09 tons of cans they contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the environment.

It should be noted that Movistar, faithful to its innovative DNA, is a pioneer in the recycling of electronic equipment, promoting the culture of recycling cell phones, as well as their chargers and batteries in disuse.

As a result of the program, Movistar has recycled 16 tons of electronics and with the resources obtained from the program has implemented environmental protection projects. Among them is the reforestation of the Jiboa river basin with the planting of a thousand fruit and timber trees in an area of the municipality of San Pedro Masahuat in La Paz.

"We are the only telephone company in the country with a permanent program for recycling unused electronics, among other initiatives. This is a reflection of how we are expanding our environmental commitments to reduce the impact of our operations", said Solórzano.

Movistar El Salvador, through this Environmental Management System, strengthens its role as a multi-strategic ally in the country's economy by responsibly guaranteeing high quality connectivity for all salvadorans, reducing its impact on the planet as much as possible.

Translated by: A.M