The stakes are high and the work is complex, but thinking in terms of the 3Ps – Planet, People, Place – offers a clear way to relate our efforts to the world around us.
Judy McElroy, Sustainability & Environment Manager at NIE Networks, takes a closer look……..
The first of the 3Ps is planet and the need to operate within planetary limits is going to shape the future of businesses globally. NIE Networks has been working towards this for years and is approaching a pivotal milestone: our next price control period and the launch of the associated RP7 Business Plan.
RP7 will be totally different from previous business plans because, for the first time, it has been written in consideration of emissions reductions targets that are bound in legislation. We will now deliver under the framework provided by the Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland and the Climate Change Act’s legal commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. This means that the upcoming price control period is loaded with opportunities to future proof our business as well as the lives and livelihoods of our 910,000 customers.
47% of the electricity we use in Northern Ireland currently comes from renewables. While that is positive for Northern Ireland PLC, it is only part of the way towards our 80% target for 2030. RP7’s implementation will start in 2025 and see an increase in our networks’ capacity to transport electricity generated from renewable sources.
This increase in capacity will facilitate an increase in the amount of low carbon technologies, like heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs), that can be connected to the electricity network. There is an opportunity here to address dependence on fossil fuels and provide a buffer from the volatile prices that they bring.
Delivering for the planet also means we must manage resource consumption. One of the actions at the heart of the People, Planet, Place approach is a review of our supply chain strategy. We must also ensure that we reduce our overall materials consumption so we’re pioneering ways to refurbish, reuse and prolong the lifespan of what we already have.
That brings us to the second of the three Ps – People. We have a big, and growing focus on the talent that will run the networks of the future. Our decarbonisation journey will create a total of around 1000 new jobs in NIE Networks, and up to 500 in partner organisations, by 2030.
We are continuing to build a highly skilled workforce fit for the challenges ahead, including through our award-winning Apprenticeship Academy. We have a strong track record on retention and development with 40% of our senior management team having started here as apprentices. We really value that and constantly look at how to provide a better workplace. In practice this means, amongst other things, internal working groups on diversity and inclusion, and offering any number of training and professional development opportunities.
This people focus goes beyond our own staff. We work closely with our contractors on wellbeing and safety through our Safer Together programme. We also uphold a zero tolerance approach on modern slavery and a commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.
At NIE Networks, we know that our best practice can inspire and empower our customers and suppliers to follow suit. For example, we are embarking on a pilot project for smart electric vehicle charging. This involves an app that initiates charging at the most efficient times. We’ve seen great interest from EV drivers who want to get on board with that. And earlier this year we saw the launch of the first public high-power charging hub in Northern Ireland at Toome Motorway Service Station. These kinds of developments represent the beginnings of a new energy ecosystem.
When people get on board in the interests of the planet we can make better Places, which brings us to the last of the 3Ps. A successful energy transition requires action on biodiversity, air, water and soil for healthy communities. Rolling out low carbon technologies goes a long way towards this by improving air quality in towns. On top of that electric vehicles, be they cars or buses, reduce noise pollution for happier commutes.
For a holistic approach, we take proactive steps like maintaining our Wildlife Aware Accreditation from Ulster Wildlife. Together we developed a bespoke Wildlife Aware Guide and an associated training programme. This means our staff are trained to identify and protect wildlife they come into contact with daily, and the lesser spotted ones too.
In the period between November 2023 and March 2024, we planted 10,000 native trees along with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). We won’t stop there though and will go on to plant a further 14,000 between November 2024 and March 2025 while also actively participating in Belfast City Council’s Million Trees Project.
We understand that these are the issues that matter to people: climate, resource use, biodiversity, the cost of energy, energy security, responsible business, and quality jobs.
The energy transition will only be a success if we manage all things in the balance. Our Planet, People, Places approach gives all these aspects the focus they need to ensure we do have enough for all forever and truly deliver on sustainability.
Judy McElroy (centre) at the Women In Business Awards where she won the Best Green Business (Corporate) Award.
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