In doing so, we face dilemmas and trade-offs, and increased demands and expectations, as well as heightened interest in the role Statnett will play in a low-emission society. This makes it important that we clearly explain how we set priorities. Our work will set the pace and direction for a sustainable transformation with a firm focus on people, society, nature and the climate.
How we are contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
The UN’s sustainable development goals provide a framework for our efforts. Statnett is a member of the UN’s sustainable business initiative: the UN Global Compact (UNGC). For an overview of how we contribute to the UN’s various sustainable development goals see the figure below.
These are our priority areas
In order to prioritise our sustainability efforts, we carried out and decided a double materiality analysis in autumn 2022. The analysis examines our impact on society and stakeholders, as well as how relevant issues could affect
our opportunities for long-term value creation.
1 We work for sustainable transition
We will
- contribute to electrification and green value creation
- work for coexistence in society
- reduce risk in the value chain
We must be prepared for a major increase in annual power consumption in Norway, of potentially up to 260 TWh, by 2050, compared to the current level of 140 TWh. The grid is becoming even more important and must be strengthened and refurbished in an increased pace.
Increased and faster development will impact nature and local communities. This makes it more important than ever for Statnett to be aware of our social impact and to look after local interests by facilitating both participation and inclusive planning processes. We must also reduce risk in our supply chain in respect of human rights and decent working conditions.
2 We cut our greenhouse gas emissions
We will
- reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
- reduce the use of SF6
We will reduce our emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to well below two degrees. We will cut our directly influenceable emissions by 25 per cent3 by 2025, set science-based targets for net zero emissions by 2050 and we will have our targets and measures verified by third parties.
Our largest sources of emissions derive from the production of materials, extraction of biodiversity resources with high carbon storage (e.g. bogs), construction activities and SF6 gas.
3 We look after nature
We will
- limit our footprint
- avoid valuable nature
- preserve and restore nature
The world is facing a nature crisis due to human activity and loss of biodiversity. Statnett has infrastructure throughout Norway both on land and underwater. Our activities entail interventions in nature and our presence in marine areas will increase.
It is crucial that we reduce our impact, which we can do by following the principles in the hierarchy of measures. Statnett will work to become a nature-positive business. Adopting a nature-positive approach makes it possible to improve the biodiversity, where the preservation and/or re-establishment of ecosystem services, habitats and functional areas for species are a key consideration. We will develop targets and measures based on a scientific assessment of nature’s tolerance limits and have these verified by third parties.