Our commitment to the environment

Net zero

The decarbonisation of the energy system is one of the biggest challenges facing our world, and we have a critical role to play in the acceleration towards a cleaner future. That’s why we have announced a target to reduce our own direct greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
 

So, how are we going to achieve it?

Our net zero strategy is divided into two parts; the emissions in direct control of the business; and those outside of business control but still integral to the operation of NGM down our supply chain.

We have made progress to reduce carbon emissions primarily in direct control of the business. We have identified our direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Programmes of work are in place to reduce the emissions, using the greenhouse gas management hierarchy.

We also work with our supply chain to reduce their emissions from work activities, movement of goods and other services.

For our Siteworks activities, we plan to break down the embodied carbon and materials used in construction and maintenance, to be able to eliminate, reduce and substitute,where possible, with low-carbon alternatives.

We acknowledge that there will be some level of compensation needed to offset what cannot be reasonably and practicably reduced. Offsetting will play a small part in the net zero strategy and aims to be done in a way that can benefit not only the business but the communities and biodiversity in the UK.

Circular economy

In our current economy, materials are taken from the earth, products are made from them and eventually thrown away as waste – this process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, waste is not being produced in the first place. The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution (The Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
 

So, how are we going to achieve it?

NGM has considered the circular economy of its meters for a long time. Meters are refurbished for another lease of life alongside appropriate recycling materials. Through reuse and recycling materials, we are minimising harm to the environment by reducing the amount of raw materials needed in the meters.

Materials are separated and processed through multiple different waste streams; for example, plastics are used to manufacture alarms and electrical fuse covers, meter caps are reused or sold, connectors and springs are reused by battery suppliers.

Nexus Point ensures NGM is well placed to provide sustainable solutions to process the old meters and directly support its carbon, landfill and ethical business conduct strategies.