Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has been officially recognised by the global Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its carbon reduction ambitions.
The distribution network operator will strive to cut its emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
SSEN Distribution has committed to reduce its combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% by 2033, from a 2020 baseline, by reducing the environmental impact of its infrastructure and by tackling electricity losses.
It will also reduce its reliance on diesel generation, electrify its own vehicle fleet and build a sustainable, green electricity network.
Additionally it has set a voluntary target of getting 35% of its suppliers to have have a science-based target set by 2026.
Chris Burchell, managing director of SSEN Distribution, said: “We’re taking accountability for our own impact and supporting our supply chain to do the same, putting us on a credible and transparent pathway towards achieving net zero.
“Our ambitious £4.1 billion draft RIIO-ED2 business plan provides a significant opportunity to achieve a just transition, building a sustainable, green electricity network that creates meaningful societal value as we tackle the climate crisis and power communities to net zero.”
Alberto Carrillo Pineda, manager director of Science Based Targets at CDP, one of the SBTi partners, said: “We congratulate SSEN Distribution on setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.
“By setting ambitious science-based targets grounded in climate science, SSEN Distribution is taking action to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.”
SSEN Transmission has also committed to the 1.5°C target, as have water companies United Utilities and Severn Trent.
Fellow network operators National Grid and UK Power Networks have committed to reducing their emissions in line with the target of keeping global warming “well-below 2°C”, as has SSE.