As a responsible business we integrate environmental considerations into all our activities.
We have in place an environmental management system certified to ISO 14001, an internationally-recognised standard, where performance against clear environmental objectives and targets is regularly monitored and reported publicly in our Social and Environmental Report.
Schedule 9
Under Section 38 and Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989, National Grid has a duty to:
"have regard to the desirability of preserving natural beauty, of conserving flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest and of protecting sites, buildings and objects of architectural, historic or archaeological interest; and shall do what it reasonably can to mitigate any effect which the proposals would have on the natural beauty of the countryside or on such flora, fauna, features, sites, buildings or objects."
How we meet our duties on electricity projects, including information on our commitments to consultation with stakeholders, is explained within our Schedule 9 Statement.
As a responsible company practising good corporate governance, and in response to commitment ten, please see the case studies illustrating our Schedule 9 performance.
With the advent of the Planning Act 2008, we are proposing to incorporate our existing Schedule 9 duty alongside new commitments to stakeholder and community engagement in ‘Our stakeholder, community and amenity policy’. There is no equivalent to a Schedule 9 statement requirement in the provisions of the Gas Act 1986. However, National Grid believes that the principles should apply equally to both our electricity and gas transmission and gas distribution works above 7 bar (gauge) in pressure.
The document below, currently out for public consultation, covers how we will meet our amenity responsibilities and our commitments to effectively involving stakeholders and communities.
National Grid’s commitments when undertaking work in the UK: Our stakeholder, community and amenity policy – draft for consultation
We are keen to hear your views on this draft and would be grateful for your written comments by 23 June 2009.
Responses should be sent via email to: landd.consultation@uk.ngrid.com.
Alternatively responses can be sent in the post to:
Land and Development Stakeholder and Policy Manager
National Grid
National Grid House
Warwick Technology Park
Gallows Hill
Warwick
CV34 6DA
Protected Countryside
National Grid also has particular responsibilities with regards to National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). We recognise the special protection afforded to these areas when planning new transmission infrastructure.
A small proportion of our existing transmission infrastructure is located within in these designated areas.
We aim to ensure that our staff and contractors:
Are aware of the location of these sensitive areas
Carry out the appropriate consultations
Plan works with appropriate mitigation to minimise the impact of our works