‘Customers in Staffordshire can’t get to net zero without us’

THE company responsible for helping people achieve their net zero ambitions is pledging to lead by example, by becoming a net zero organisation by 2028 – that’s 22 years ahead of government targets.

Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, has outlined how it will achieve this by tackling its own Business Carbon Footprint.

Andrew Martyr-icke,

WPD Environment Team Manager, said: “Customers in Staffordshire can’t get to net zero without WPD – but they also want to see us lead by example by tackling our own Business Carbon Footprint.

“If we solve the climate emergency and enable our children and grandchildren to live in a world that is not ruined by the impacts of climate change, that will be – for many people across the UK - because staff at WPD did what they needed to do by standing up to the challenge and making net zero happen.”

More than half of the company’s carbon emissions – 57% - come from fuel consumed by its vehicles and generators. By switching to electric vehicles (EVS) and phasing out diesel generators, WPD can make significant steps towards its target.

WPD has pledged to replace at least 89% of its existing operational vehicle fleet with EVS by 2028, installing EV charging at all operational sites as well as reducing business travel by encouraging more remote working and virtual meetings.

The company is also looking to limit the impact of its activities on the environment, by dealing promptly with leaks from equipment and achieving a 10% net gain in biodiversity for new major projects and larger substation sites by considering ways of introducing and maintaining flora and fauna on site.

WPD will continue to focus on reducing its building energy use, too. It has consistently outperformed its 5% reduction targets during RIIO-ED1, achieving an annual reduction each year. This has been done through a range of measures, including greater employee awareness of energy savings, the installation of motion sensors for lighting, upgraded air conditioning systems and higher energy efficiency ratings in new and refurbished depots. WPD is also working to enable customers to achieve net zero ambitions by preparing the network to connect low carbon technologies, like electric vehicle chargers, solar panels and heat pumps.