SSEN adopts science-based sustainability strategy

Scottish and Southern Electricity Network’s (SSEN) Transmission business commits to setting a Science Based Target for greenhouse gas emissions as it publishes its Sustainability Strategy following a consultation with its customers and stakeholders.

The strategy document entitled ‘Delivering a smart, sustainable energy future’ includes SSEN Transmission’s commitment to adopting a science-based target to ultimately enable the transition to a low carbon economy. It is based on six sustainability ambitions, informed and refined through consultation with SSEN’s stakeholders.  They are:

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  • Connecting for society: Promoting affordability through collaboration and whole system solutions;
  • Supporting thriving communities: Maximising the local social and economic benefits of our investments;
  • Growing careers: Adding value through good jobs and training;
  • Promoting natural environment: Delivering a net positive environmental impact;
  • Optimising resources: Managing resource use to minimise waste; and
  • Mitigating climate change: Managing emissions towards a science based target.

 

Christianna Logan, Energy Networks Insights Manager at SSEN, explains more:

“Our initial action has been to formally commit to the Science Based Targets initiative. While our most material contribution to action against climate change is our role in enabling the transition to a low carbon economy and largely decarbonised electricity system, we are also determined to tackle our own carbon emissions, directly and indirectly, to ensure that these actions are aligned with current climate science.

“As such, our ambition is to achieve the level of decarbonisation in line with what is required to keep the global temperature increase below 2°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures, consistent with the landmark Paris Agreement, which has been committed to by the vast majority of global leaders.”

SSEN will now develop and implement an action plan for the delivery of these ambitions in collaboration with its employees and stakeholders to ensure that it is fit for purpose and meets the needs of its customers. A 2017/18 Sustainability Performance Report and Plan for 2018 will be published in late summer.

SSEN’s priority is to safely deliver a robust, efficient and reliable network to its customers in the north of Scotland. In delivering this essential service, SSEN also has a responsibility to its customers, employees, communities and shareholders to ensure this need is met in the most responsible way possible.

The full document can be found at https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/sustainability-and-environment/sustainability-strategy/