Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is launching a Sustainable Supplier Code; the first output from continued collaborative working between SSEN and its supply chain, to achieve sustainability ambitions for all.
As SSEN enters into the RIIO-ED2 price control, and work to integrate climate action into all of its operations, we understand that strong engagement with our suppliers is crucial for the achievement of our sustainability ambitions - we cannot do it alone.
By taking a leadership approach and collaborating with its supply chain, SSEN can widen the understanding of its sustainability values and ambitions. In turn, this assists suppliers in further developing their own sustainability values to support and - where appropriate - drive SSEN's.
During engagement sessions for SSEN's RIIO-ED2 business plan, supply chain stakeholders told SSEN that they have the ambition to achieve net zero and want to collaborate, but may need help to reach their goals along the way.
It was through this engagement that SSEN has developed and launched this Sustainable Supplier Code, along with a Supply Chain Sustainability School; helping its supply chain understand all areas of sustainability and to assist suppliers on their net zero journey.
This way of collaborative working aims to forge stronger supplier relationships, enhance innovation, and improve the management of shared risks and opportunities, to deliver greater value and outcomes for the environment, society, and local economies.
To ensure supply chains working with SSEN can achieve the ambition sustainability goals, the distribution operator is expanding its knowledge sharing with two new webinars:
- RIIO-ED2 Sustainable Supplier Code Launch - A welcome from the team and opportunity to explore the Code in more detail, including its baseline targets and 2022 survey insights, along with a Q&A session - Friday 2 June from 11:30am to 12:30am. Register here.
- Green House Gas Emissions (GHG) and Reporting - Join SSEN for an introduction into GHG emissions accounting principles (Scope 1, 2 & 3) and best practice, along with a Q&A session. Friday 11 August from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Register here.
SSEN's supply chain is instrumental in meeting the distribution operator's RIIO-ED2 net-zero ambitions and through 11 targeted metrics its Sustainable Supplier Code will ensure suppliers are helping SSEN on its net-zero journey, while also gaining knowledge and improving sustainability through their own business.
Rebecca Richardson, Director of Procurement Distribution for SSEN said:
"In line with the UK's transition to a net zero economy, and SSEN's Sustainability Strategy, our Sustainable Supplier Code is a progressive approach to out-perform our RIIO-ED2 and supply chain targets.
"Recognising that SSEN's sustainability and environmental performance during RIIO-ED2 has a high dependency on achieving a sustainable supply chain, we have been overwhelmed with their appetite to drive sustainability.
"Our Sustainable Supplier Code is a great opportunity for developing strong collaborative working between SSEN and all of our supplier chain to enable the fundamental focus required to achieve all net zero ambitions."
Shirley Robertson, SSEN's Head of Strategic Planning and Sustainability Distribution added:
"Our Sustainable Supplier Code is the ultimate guide to collaborative working with our supply chain through the RIIO-ED2 price control.
"We are excited to build strong and ambitious relationships with our suppliers to enable the crucial step change required heading into RIIO-ED2 to deliver our sustainability ambitions, whilst also supporting our suppliers on their net zero journey and ultimately building a better planet for all."
SSEN's RIIO-ED2 aim is to have 80% of its supply chain signed up to its supply chain sustainability code by the end of RIIO-ED2 in 2028.
This Sustainable Supplier Code is SSEN's first iteration heading into the RIIO-ED2 price control. Annual updates will be carried out, with yearly targets adjusted based on maturity and targeted supply chain engagement.
For any questions or if you would like to be involved with future supply chain sessions, please contact SSEN at: DistributionSustainabilityTeam@sse.com
ABOUT SSEN
- Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is the electricity distribution arm of the FTSE-50 energy company, SSE. We serve over 3.8 million customers across the diverse and unique geographies of the north of Scotland, and central southern England.
- Our role has never been more important. The communities we serve depend on us to deliver a safe, reliable supply of electricity to their homes and businesses so they can thrive today. And for us to deliver the infrastructure to create a net zero tomorrow. To do this we're inspired every day by our vision to be powering change with every connection'.
- For further information please contact SSEN's Media Team: 0345 0760 530
