We are now proud to share our third RIIO-T2 Annual Environmental Report for 2023-2024. Our report provides a progress update in achieving our ambitious environmental targets for the 2021-2026 five-year period, set out in our Environmental Action Plan. 

Annual Environmental Report 2024

 

 

Download the full report

Our performance

 

People wearing PPE in a tunnel holding up a banner with National Grid's Sustainable Development Goals

Here are some key examples of our strong environmental performance: 

  • Connecting 1.35GW of new low carbon generation to the network 

  • 17% reduction in controllable scope 1 and 2 emissions since FY19 

  • Purchasing 100% renewable energy for our metered estate 

  • Diverting 99.4% of our construction waste from landfill 

  • 7.9% improvement in the environmental value of non-operational land since FY21 

  • 100% of our construction projects committing to deliver 10% net gain or greater 

  • Achieving certification for our Integrated Management System, which includes ISO14001 

Delivering our environmental future

We have developed a new Environmental Action Plan for RIIO-T2 (2021-2026), setting firm targets for the five-year period. These are focused on four priority areas:

  • Net zero carbon emissions: Climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation, and the next 10 years will be crucial to addressing it. We will reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions in line with science-based targets - 34% reduction by 2026, 50% reduction by 2030 from a 2018 baseline and we will be net zero by 2050. We will also deliver carbon neutral construction.
  • Minimise waste and sustainable use of materials: Waste is choking our oceans, spoiling our landscapes, as well as contributing to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions. We will achieve zero waste to landfill across key areas of waste and use circular economy principles to make the most out of natural resources and our assets.
  • Caring for the natural environment: One of the most important challenges facing humanity alongside the climate emergency, is the global biodiversity crisis. We will value nature and will protect and enhance it where possible using ‘natural capital’ and ‘net gain’ principles.
  • Leading the way: Businesses have a duty to lead the way and deliver change across their industry. We will be environmental leaders in our sector. We will share our expertise and collaborate with stakeholders to advance environmental good practice.
Front cover of Our 2021-2026 Environmental Action Plan (April 2024 refresh)

Environmental Action Plan 2021-2026

Our Environmental Action Plan is our handbook to further reduce our carbon emissions, reduce our resource use, improve our natural environment and demonstrate leadership for change.

Download our handbook
Children running with a dog in a green field at sunset

We're adopting a Whole System approach to support decarbonisation

Read how we’re working across industries to help achieve affordable, reliable, and resilient clean energy for Great Britain.

Our Whole System approach