Case Study: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks achieves 1.5°C-aligned science-based targets with Anthesis

Supporting SSEN Distribution to Become the First UK Electricity DNO to Set 1.5°C Aligned Science-based Targets

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) commissioned the sustainability consultancy Anthesis to review its carbon emissions and establish a science-based target (SBT) aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. As a major UK electricity distributor, SSEN needed a clear and accredited strategy to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and embed this ambition into its regulated business planning.

Anthesis calculated SSEN's carbon footprint across all scopes, modeled its reduction trajectory, and identified key initiatives to achieve its goals. They supported the submission to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and helped integrate the targets into SSEN’s operational plans. As a result, Anthesis enabled SSEN Distribution to become the first UK electricity network operator with validated SBTs, committing to a 55% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2033 and a goal for 35% of its suppliers to have their own SBTs by 2026.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

Shirley Robertson

Head of Environment, Consenting and Sustainability Strategic Policy