Electricity networks company SSEN Transmission is proud to announce that its Sustainability Strategy has been officially accepted by It’s Now for Nature, a global campaign mobilising businesses and financial institutions to take decisive action for a nature-positive world by 2030.
This recognition places SSEN Transmission among an elite group of UK organisations – and only the fourth in the country – and marks a significant milestone as the first UK-based electricity Transmission Operator to have its strategy endorsed by the campaign.
A Strategy for People and Planet
SSEN Transmission’s Sustainability Strategy outlines a bold and comprehensive vision for delivering its mission in a way that is both fair and sustainable. At the core of SSEN Transmission’s Sustainability Strategy are three focus areas that build on its strong foundations:
- Tackling climate change through decarbonisation and clean energy infrastructure
- Protecting and restoring nature and enhancing biodiversity across transmission projects
- Leaving a positive legacy for communities through inclusive engagement and investment
The Strategy also powers the next phase of sustainability leadership through a stronger focus on people, procurement, and performance. It aims to grow a skilled and diverse workforce and boost economic growth, partner with the supply chain to deliver responsibly, and strengthen systems and data to drive transparent, sustainable outcomes.
This endorsement by It’s Now for Nature highlights SSEN Transmission’s leadership in integrating nature-positive principles into its core business strategy. The campaign showcases exemplary strategies to inspire global action and mitigate nature loss -making SSEN Transmission’s inclusion a powerful testament to its commitment.
SSEN Transmission has long been involved in supporting nature-based initiatives within its network area across the country. In December 2024, SSEN Transmission launched a partnership with nature charity SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, becoming the first energy company to collaborate with them to help power nature restoration efforts in the north of Scotland.
The business also recently teamed up with Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS) to launch two reports around marine restoration efforts for seagrass and native oysters, which deliver critical insight into their status, significance and steps to recovery.
Leading the Way in the Energy Sector
Sarah Beattie-Smith, Senior Sustainability Manager at SSEN Transmission, commented,
“We’re proud to be recognised by global organisation It’s Now for Nature. Our Sustainability Strategy sets out how we will deliver our expansion of the north of Scotland transmission network in a way that is fair and sustainable. From tackling climate change to restoring nature, from leaving a positive legacy for communities to growing our workforce, our Strategy sets out our commitment and vision for doing the right thing for people and the planet.
“The twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss mean that, now more than ever, it is vital that nature remains a key consideration as we expand our transmission network in the north of Scotland, and as the first UK Transmission Operator to receive this recognition for Its Now for Nature, we hope to set a precedent for others in the energy sector to follow.”
As part of the company’s plan to invest at least £22 billion in Scotland’s electricity transmission network between 2026 and 2031, SSEN Transmission is committing at least £100 million to nature restoration. This includes over 5,000 hectares of industry-leading land and marine initiatives, making them the largest single investor in nature restoration in Scotland. Beyond enabling net zero, this investment will support jobs, boost the economy, and enhance biodiversity, demonstrating that infrastructure development and nature restoration can go hand in hand.
SSEN Transmission remains dedicated to driving progress toward a net zero and nature-positive future, ensuring that its infrastructure not only powers the nation, but protects the planet.