Environmental progress highlighted in new report

The progress we are making to become a more sustainable business is examined in a new report.

Our first annual environment report for the 2023-28 RIIO-ED2 price control period outlines the efforts made to reduce our carbon footprint in 2023-24, as we strive to become a net zero organisation.

Progress is on track with annual targets to cut our business carbon footprint and environmental impact. Highlights include:

• Cutting energy consumption at depots and substations, as well as CO2 emissions from operational vehicles
• Reducing SF6 gas leaks from electrical switchgear
• Reducing the amount of equipment on the network contaminated by poly-chlorinated biphenyls • Selecting 20 NGED major project sites to achieve 10% biodiversity net gains
• Identifying 40 substation sites where biodiversity management plans will be implemented to achieve minimum 10% biodiversity net gains
•  Investing £2.7m between now and 2028 in solar panels for schools in deprived areas
• Donating thousands of decommissioned iPads to charities and community groups

The report also highlights how we are leveraging our position within the wider National Grid group to work with manufacturers and suppliers to improve environmental and sustainability performance through the supply chain.

Yasharn Smith, NGED’s Director of Safety, Health and Environment, said: “We are performing well across all our environmental commitments for RIIO ED2 between 2023-28.

“There are challenges ahead, but we’re determined to continue making improvements in the way we operate to ensure we remain a responsible and sustainable business for our customers, stakeholders, employees and local communities.”