Members of the SP Energy Networks Sustainability Team recently joined international policy and business figures at the UN Climate Action Platform for Europe and North America. The company was invited to provide expert insight into the complexities of the transition to net zero, specifically regarding infrastructure challenges.

Alix Medlyn Davies, Lead Sustainability Specialist at SP Energy Networks, participated in a panel focused on the reduction of Scope 3 emissions. These indirect emissions, which occur across the supply chain, represent a major portion of the carbon footprint for infrastructure companies and are traditionally considered the most difficult to manage and influence.

-- Advertisement --

Reflecting on the company's progress and future strategy, Alix Medlyn Davies explained: "Under the current RIIO‑2 price control period, we've focused heavily on reducing direct emissions from our operations (Scope 1 and Scope 2), achieving significant progress through changes to fuels, energy use, fleet, and operational practices.

"Looking ahead to RIIO‑3, the focus is shifting towards Scope 3 emissions - the indirect emissions associated with our supply chain, purchased materials and capital investment. For a network business delivering major infrastructure programmes, these emissions represent a significant share of overall carbon impact and are often the hardest to influence."

The participation of SP Energy Networks in the UN platform marks a strategic shift towards a more collaborative, sector-wide approach to decarbonisation. By looking beyond its own direct operational footprint, the company aims to support scalable and credible progress toward net zero through system-wide cooperation.

As preparations for the RIIO‑3 period continue, the firm remains committed to accelerating these efforts and maintaining a central role in the delivery of a sustainable and clean energy future.