Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Initiative of the Year
Highlighting the wider impact utilities can have on the communities they operate in as well as their role as stewards of the environment and their wider responsibilities as socially conscious companies.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Initiative of the Year
Highlighting the wider impact utilities can have on the communities they operate in as well as their role as stewards of the environment and their wider responsibilities as socially conscious companies.
Northumbrian Water Group
Northumbrian Water Group’s (NWG) “Making Harts’ Smart” initiative is transforming water management in one of Suffolk’s most water-stressed zones. By deploying smart metering, solar-powered networks, and community-led engagement, the project empowers customers to reduce consumption, detect leaks early, and embrace sustainable behaviours.
Going beyond regulatory obligations, it delivers measurable environmental and social impact—cutting waste, improving efficiency, and fostering trust. With 83% smart meter coverage and over 3,700 customers engaged, Hartismere is now a blueprint for holistic, community-centred water resilience.
OVO
OVO's Climate Transition Plan is more than a target; it's a bold, actionable roadmap to achieve net zero by 2035. Leading with integrity, we've moved beyond misleading '100% renewable' tariffs to focus on real-world impact. Our plan tackles the industry’s toughest challenge: decarbonising home heating, which accounts for two-thirds of our emissions. Through innovative products, policy advocacy, and customer engagement , we're making the transition to a greener grid and electrified homes both affordable and accessible for all. This is our blueprint for driving systemic change.
Severn Wye Energy Agency
Severn Wye’s ‘Reach Out’ project, funded by Cadent (Herefordshire) and Wales & West (Powys, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire) is bringing vital energy management and safety advice to communities that typically ‘fall through the net’ of traditional sources of support.
Focusing on refugees and asylum seekers, houseboat dwellers, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and people in remote rural areas, our advisers work with front-line partners to build the trust needed for people to accept help. That help includes understanding efficient and safe fuel use including the dangers of carbon monoxide, managing debt, accessing grants and tapping into further local support.
SP Energy Networks partnership with Wrexham AFC Foundation
Using the transformative power of football, SPEN’s partnership with Wrexham AFC Foundation has supported 7,000 participants to break down barriers, create inclusive opportunities and inspire future leaders across Wrexham and North Wales.
The programme addresses societal and confidence barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in football.
From tackling gender inequality in coaching to delivering electrical safety education and providing life-changing pathways for disabled players, the initiative shows what’s possible when a utility steps up to become a true community partner. SPEN is strengthening communities, promoting equality, and building a legacy that will inspire for years to come.
SSEN Distribution, GHD, Frontier Economics and Scottish Power Transmission
Utility companies such as SSEN Distribution are on a mission to reduce their environmental impact while investing in upgrades to critical infrastructure. Despite access to land and assets, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have to date been underutilised due to regulatory and investment barriers.
SSEN has sought to change that through the innovative Nature4Networks project which demonstrates that NbS can not only meet engineering needs but also enhance biodiversity, increase public acceptance and improve climate resilience. The upcoming Beta phase is set to trial these solutions on SSEN assets and ultimately seeks to embed nature into infrastructure planning, unlocking wider societal value.
UK Power Networks
UK Power Networks’ campaigns to protect the lives of staff and the public have smashed targets and protected thousands of people - Safety is the firm's number one priority.
Fresh thinking to inspire audiences can be challenging to achieve and emotional engagement is key. The firm's thought-provoking films got new generations of employees thinking about the past; real experiences, lessons learned and the actions taken.
Employees from the CEO downwards, joined a new safety programme called Stay Safe: Think, Feel, Act with weekly discussions keeping safety front of mind. Public safety advisors also reached over 815,000 people with targeted advice.
United Utilities
With 40% more rainfall and more combined sewer network than the UK average, plus a forecasted increase of 1 million people by 2050, managing rainwater in the North West is a growing challenge.
United Utilities’ AMP7 Resilient Rainwater Programme has started to address this challenge, investing £9m to deliver 15 projects and working in partnership to reduce run-off, improve water quality, and boost biodiversity; totalling over £50m in natural capital enhancements!
The programme provided learnings and insights which underpin the £280m AMP8 Resilient Rainwater Programme, demonstrating that utilities can be environmental stewards, making the North West stronger, greener, and healthier.
