Press Release: SA Power Networks releases first Sustainability Report
Reflecting its growing leadership role in South Australia's energy transition, the SA Power Networks Group has released its first comprehensive, externally audited Sustainability Report.
With more than 300,000 homes with solar and 30,000 with batteries, the electricity distribution network managed by the regulated business, SA Power Networks, hosts the biggest source of renewable energy generation in South Australia.
The Group’s commercial business, Enerven, plays a significant role in commercial and government renewables-based projects.
The SA Power Networks Group has adopted an ambitious approach to sustainable practices. It reflects the key focus areas of a freshly developed Sustainability Strategy: transforming energy; building a diverse high performing workforce; conserving the environment; and connecting and protecting communities.
The 2021 Sustainability Report follows globally recognised Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting guidance and Standards, including the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and references relevant Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Highlights in 2021 included:
Commitment to net-zero (Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions) across operations by 2035
- Benchmarked as Australia’s most efficient regulated electricity distributor
- Invested $1.7M in 40 community partnerships and sponsorships
- Premier’s Award for Innovation and Collaboration in Energy for Enhanced Voltage Management project
- Achieved target of 80% of total waste diverted from landfill.
Launching the Sustainability Report, SA Power Networks CEO Rob Stobbe said “the energy sector is changing at a rapid pace, with the uptake of rooftop solar PV, residential batteries and electric vehicles. Additionally, we are already experiencing the impacts of our changing climate.
“To effectively move forward we must align our approach with equity, fairness, transparency, community, and environmental considerations integrated into our systems, processes and resourcing,” Mr Stobbe said.
“By paying attention to the longer term, to stakeholder and customer needs, and to the social and environmental consequences of our operations and activities, we believe we will achieve outcomes that will be good for our business and our community, as well as the planet.
“We actively consider ESG risks and opportunities in our business practices, and our ESG work is centered around making a positive impact for our stakeholders, whether it be reducing our carbon footprint, fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce, or delivering an affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system.”
Mr Stobbe said “our comprehensive Sustainability Report will allow a range of stakeholders to understand our current performance and see how we progress in future years to improve our sustainability outcomes for South Australians.”
The Sustainability Strategy and Report are available at on our Sustainability page.