Annual environmental report 2023

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Our performance

Here are some key examples of our strong environmental performance:

• 19.1% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions from a 2018/19 baseline
• 22.2% reduction in SF₆ emissions from a 2018/19 baseline
• 447 EV chargers installed at 79 sites
• We had the world’s largest ever pour of sustainable, cement free concrete
• We’ve received a Gold Award for Best Innovation in Net Zero and Sustainability
• 100% diversion from landfill across our construction projects
• We’ve developed an oil leakage reduction strategy to reduce the risks associated with leakage from oil-filled transformers
• 3.2% improvement in environmental value of non-operational land
• We worked with Hitachi to make London Power Substation SF₆ free

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.