Electricity North West has reinforced its ambitious net zero targets by continuing to align with the global Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).

In 2021, Electricity North West joined the Race to Net Zero campaign, a UN-backed coalition of more than 3,000 global leading companies which are focused on addressing the climate emergency. This included developing targets for validation against the  Science-based targets initiative, which are consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Now, as part of its latest commitment, Electricity North West will look to reduce Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.

Scope 1 emissions are those that are directly controlled by the company, for example from its own fleet whilst Scope 2 emissions are those that are indirectly caused by the company and include emissions from energy used for its buildings. Scope 3 are those indirect emissions generated in its supply (value) chain.

Paul Bircham, Electricity North West’s safety, compliance and markets director, said: “We understand the challenge ahead.  As the North West’s electricity network operator, we play a fundamental role in the transition to net zero and we’ve set some ambitious targets as we look to reduce emissions by 63 per cent by 2035.

“We’re also focused on our wider goal of becoming net zero by 2038 and our collaboration with the science-based target will keep us on and ultimately below that trajectory in order to reach our net zero ambition."

Earlier this year, Electricity North West announced a five-year, £2bn investment to enable the transition to net zero, the largest ever investment in the North West’s electricity network.

The scope of the investment covers new assets and capacity, as well as maintenance and upgrades of the region’s existing electricity network as people move away from fossil fuels to clean, green electricity to power their cars and heating. The operator will also reduce customers’ time without power by 20 per cent.

In October, Electricity North West will be the headline sponsor at the Greater Manchester Green Summit. Attendees will be able to learn more about the science-based targets and key aims from its environmental action plan. To find out more visit here.