Our environment

Our journey so far

To decarbonise the energy system, we must aim to upgrade the electricity and gas networks at a pace and scale not seen for generations. We are investing in essential infrastructure and growing our networks to connect new renewable energy sources and clean technologies that will help decarbonise the economies in which we operate and support the clean energy transition. We know we can’t do this on our own and are working closely with governments and regulators to put in place policies and regulations to accelerate progress.

In the past year, we have made progress in reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Our Scope 3 emissions, however, have increased. We also recognise the need for additional efforts to maintain our networks and minimise SF₆ emissions caused by emerging leaks.

We have also refreshed our Climate Transition Plan (CTP), which outlines a credible pathway to achieving our new near-term GHG emissions reductions targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), detailing the dependencies and highlighting our collaborative efforts with stakeholders to support these dependencies.
 

Our commitments and targets

Achieve net zero by 2050 for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions

• Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 60% by 2030/31 (from a 2018/19 baseline)¹
• Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions (excluding sold electricity) by 37.5% by 2033/34 (from a 2018/19 baseline)²
• Move to a 100% electric fleet by 2030 for our light-duty vehicles and pursue the replacement of our medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with zero carbon alternatives
• Reduce absolute sulphur-hexafluoride (SF₆) emissions from our operations by 50% by 2030/31 (from a 2018/19 baseline) 
• Reduce absolute energy consumption in our flagship offices by 20% by 2030/31 (from a 2020/21 baseline)
• Reduce our absolute annual air travel emissions by at least 50% by 2025/26 (from a 2019/20 baseline) and offset any remaining emissions responsibly
• Engage with the top 50% of our US suppliers by emissions to establish a decarbonisation roadmap/action plan towards a Science Based Target by 2025/26 
• The top 80% of our UK suppliers by emissions will have formally committed to set a Science Based Target by 2025/26
   

Protect our natural environment

• Restore the natural environment by 10% on the land we manage in the UK and preserve the natural environment in the land we manage in the US
   

Invest in the decarbonisation of the future of energy

• Invest approximately £51 billion in green infrastructure projects in the five years to March 2029³
   

Adapt to a changing climate

• We will report on our climate change risks and opportunities and our investment in climate change adaptation activities
   

Use resources responsibly

• We will report on the management of our environmental impact
   

¹ Near-term target approved by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and aligned to the Paris Agreement and a 1.5˚C pathway.

² Near-term target approved by SBTi and aligned to a well below 2˚C pathway.

³ Aligned to EU Taxonomy, directly invested into the decarbonisation of energy networks. Information as at 23 May 2024. Please refer to the investor section of our website for our latest investor guidance.

Our areas of responsible business

We have identified the other key areas where we can really make a difference by ensuring responsibility is woven through everything we do.