Environment
Our Environment Report aims to provide all of our stakeholders with a transparent and public account of our environmental performance over the last twelve months.
We will use this report to provide an all-inclusive overview that includes clear justification for our actions and the benefits to our customers. Reducing our impact on the environment whilst remaining responsible and sustainable throughout RIIO-ED2 and in the future.
For information on Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004, visit our dedicated page.
Throughout 2023/24 we have achieved the following improvements:
Environmental highlights
- Introduction to biodiversity net gain in relation to Major Projects by undertaking surveys and developing management plans at a number of NGED operational sites.
- Reducing our Business Carbon Footprint in line with our Science Based Target.
- Recertification of our company-wide ISO14001 environmental management system until 2026
- Reducing the amount of PCB contaminated equipment which we have on our network.
- Working with manufacturers and trialling alternative switchgear equipment free from SF6 – a potent greenhouse gas
- Engaging with our supply chain to better understand our Scope 3 carbon emissions and associated impact on nature and biodiversity.
- Formal collaboration agreement with the Heart of England Forest – improving community access to nature via supporting habitat management, biodiversity initiatives and planting trees in the heart of our licence area.
Challenges
- Continue to improve and progress on reducing fluid filled cable losses and SF₆ emissions.
- Maintain and improve our environmental performance and compliance record with the environmental regulators.
- Engagement with employees, suppliers, manufacturers and contractors to reduce the waste that we produce.
Protected landscapes
We operate 90,000km of overhead lines predominantly in rural locations, delivering power while protecting Britain’s landscapes.
Oil leakage
Older electricity cables contain oil to improve their insulation properties and enhance cooling.
Carbon impact and climate change
We’re committed to protecting our planet, minimising the environmental impact of our operational activities.
Waste
We’re reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills through more efficient and effective management.
Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)
We’re reducing the use of SF6, a damaging gas that’s used as an insulating medium in switchgear.
Environmental management
Since 2015 we’ve been certified to ISO14001, the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS), across all areas we cover.
Distribution losses
We're reducing losses on our network where possible to make savings for our customers and reduce National Grid Electricity Distribution's carbon footprint.
Biodiversity
In RIIO-ED2, we are committing to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain for new major projects and for selected primary and grid substation sites.
Environment and Innovation Report
Our Environment and Innovation Report provides all stakeholders with a transparent and public account of our environmental and innovation performance over the previous year.
Environment Strategy
In line with our values, feedback received from our stakeholders and our current RIIO-ED2 Business Plan, this Strategy details our business aspirations and our ambitions in becoming a net zero carbon organisation, and ensuring we are environmentally responsible.
Environmental Action Plan
Our RIIO-ED2 Environmental Action Plan (EAP) sets out our RIIO-ED2 ambitions to meet our stakeholders' net zero and environmental responsibility expectations, by reducing our environmental impact and decarbonising our business activities.