This Earth Day, SP Energy Networks is celebrating the progress we’re making to protect the planet - today and for the future. As a network operator, we play a critical role in enabling the UK’s transition to a clean, green and more secure energy system.
Our sustainability strategy is built around five key priorities, each supported by clear targets and real progress across our operations.
1. Climate Action: Cutting Carbon and Driving Net Zero
We remain committed to reducing carbon across our operations and working towards our ambitious science‑based target of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. A major milestone in this journey is our use of 100% UK‑based renewable electricity across most of our buildings and substations, which has delivered an estimated 67,992 tCO₂ in carbon savings since the start of RIIO‑T2. This shift is helping us significantly decarbonise our operations while supporting the wider transition to a low‑carbon energy system.
2. Action for Nature: Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity
We are also focused on protecting habitats, enhancing biodiversity and becoming Nature Positive by 2030. During the T2 period, we have provided 16 community grant donations and enhanced biodiversity across 348.84 hectares of woodland, peatland and meadow creation schemes. These projects, delivered in partnership with local environmental organisations, are helping restore natural landscapes and ensure our network grows in harmony with the environment.
3. Circular Economy: Reducing Waste and Keeping Materials in Use
Our commitment to a circular economy is driving us to reduce waste, reuse materials and work towards becoming a zero‑waste business by 2040. Over the last year, we have improved the accuracy of our waste reporting through the rollout of the Qflow system, enabling us to identify waste hotspots and target reductions more effectively. We have continued to divert over 95% of waste from landfill, increased recycling across our depots and expanded reuse initiatives, including PPE recycling and improved soil management processes that keep valuable materials in circulation.
4. Sustainable Supply Chain: Raising Standards Together
We are working closely with suppliers to raise environmental standards and support low‑carbon solutions across our supply chain. This includes developing a strategic action plan to 2035 with clear annual targets, supporting capability building through our Supply Chain Sustainability School Gold Membership and delivering targeted training such as new Waste Consignment Note workshops. These efforts are helping suppliers adopt low‑carbon practices and improving transparency around materials, sourcing and carbon reporting.
5. Sustainable Communities: Ensuring a Fair and Inclusive Transition
Finally, we are committed to ensuring the transition to Net Zero is fair, inclusive and benefits the communities we serve. We have delivered over 22,700 fuel poverty support services, reached 99% of Priority Services Register customers and funded 27 community projects through our Net Zero Fund. We have also expanded skills and fair work opportunities, including new apprenticeships and training programmes, helping ensure every community can participate in — and benefit from — the energy transition.
Building a Cleaner, More Resilient Future
This Earth Day, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made across our five sustainability priorities, and we remain committed to going even further. By taking action today, we are helping build a cleaner, more secure and more resilient energy future for generations to come.