ENERGY bosses at the firm responsible for Worcestershire residents’ bid to reach net zero have pledged to lead by example by becoming a net zero organisation by 2028 – 22 years ahead of Government targets.
Western Power Distribution (WPD) has outlined how it will achieve this by tackling its own Business Carbon Footprint (BCF).
More than half of the company’s carbon emissions come from fuel consumed by its vehicles and generators. By switching to electric vehicles (EVs) and phasing out diesel generators, WPD will make significant steps towards its net zero target.
WPD has pledged to replace at least 89 per cent of its existing operational vehicle fleet with EVs by 2028, installing EV charging at all operational sites as well as reducing business travel by encouraging more remote working and virtual meetings.
WPD will continue to focus on reducing its building energy use with greater employee awareness of energy savings, the installation of motion sensors for lighting, upgraded air conditioning systems and higher energy efficiency ratings in new and refurbished depots.
The company predicts by 2028, an additional 1.5 million electric vehicles will be on the roads in its region, while 600,000 heat pumps will be installed.
Andrew Martyr-Icke, WPD environment team manager, said: “Customers in Worcestershire can’t get to net zero without WPD – but they also want to see us lead by example by tackling our own Business Carbon Footprint.
“If we solve the climate emergency and enable our children and grandchildren to live in a world which is not ruined by the impacts of climate change, that will be – for many people across the UK – because staff at WPD did what they needed to do by standing up to the challenge and making net zero happen.”