Waste management

We have made good progress in reducing the amount of waste we produce. We are able to meet and exceed our legal requirements and keep increasing the amount we are recycling. In addition, we are collecting accurate information on the types and amounts of waste we produce, helping us to set targets for reduction in the future.

Landfill

We are keen to reduce the amount of waste we have to send to landfill. We are currently working with our service providers to develop alternatives for the disposal of road spoil, including processing it for re-use. New technology also allows us to explore different excavation techniques.

Reducing our carbon footprint

As a distribution company we are very aware of our contribution to carbon emissions, both from our vehicles and from the distribution network energy losses. We are actively exploring ways to raise our staff's awareness of our carbon emissionsand reduce our levels across the business.

One aspect of this programme is the work we are currently doing with Global Action Plan, an environmental charity which is also affiliated to the United Nations Environment Programme.

The project looks for opportunities for carbon reductions across all of our sites and involves volunteers from our staff producing innovative solutions under the guidance of Global Action Plan. Our volunteers will receive a certificate from UNEP on completion of the project.

Environmental emergencies

Our business has also made great improvements in the area of environmental contingency. We have set up a business wide contract with a major environmental emergency response contractor, ensuring that any environmental incidents on the distribution network can be responded to as effectively and quickly as possible, this helps us further reduce potentially harmful impacts on the environment.

Biodiversity

In Central Networks we are passionate about biodiversity. This is also achallenge as our sites are spread over a wide area and in diverse surroundings from urban areas to rural settings and National Parks. The sites also vary considerably in size and so the scope for action on Biodiversity also differs greatly between them. We are working with Biodiversity officers across the region to develop a strategy for our business which will both complement and enhance existing Biodiversity Action Plans.