Wales & West Utilities has this week (Monday 24 June) launched its first Sustainability Strategy, outlining its commitment to sustainability and its role in delivering a net zero energy system.
The strategy translates the big idea of sustainability into the actions to be taken across every part of the business and establishes the key priorities for customers, workforce and local communities.
Developed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Well-being Goals set out in The Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales), the ambitious strategy has benefited from the input of Wales & West Utilities’ customers and expert stakeholders.
To gain feedback and further shape their approach, Wales & West Utilities hosted a launch event at Cardiff City Stadium, inviting stakeholders to take part in interactive discussions both in person and online. The session covered themes from the strategy including:
- Wales & West Utilities plans to become ‘hydrogen ready’
- How the company can support customers in vulnerable situations
- Delivering a Just Transition to net zero
- Building a diverse, equitable and inclusive team with skills for the future and;
- How the company can support biodiversity and deliver environmental net gain
Wales & West Utilities Director of Regulation, Asset Strategy and HS&E, Sarah Williams, said:
“Our strategy sets out a roadmap to a sustainable future for the energy system and underlines our commitments to achieving net zero targets and to meeting the needs of the communities we serve.
“For the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions, we need to change how we generate, store, transport and use energy. Most of the UK’s energy comes from fossil fuels, and the transition to net zero will see us switch to alternative cleaner sources like wind, solar, biomethane and low carbon hydrogen.
“Along with the other UK gas distribution networks, we will play an important role in the transition and in the long term, making sure we continue to meet seasonal energy demands, whilst also minimising disruption and cost for customers. We’re committed to investing in reducing our own emissions, and ensuring our assets are ready to carry low carbon gases such as hydrogen to support a fully decarbonised energy system.
“We will keep working with our customers and partners, while continuing to deliver the standards of safety, reliability and positive social impact they value and expect.”
