Environmental Policy and Programs
Environmental considerations are integrated into our business decisions and everyday operations.
Our vision is to be a recognized leader in the development and operation of safe, reliable and sustainable energy systems to meet the needs of our customers, and communities, and to generate value for our investors. Protection of the environment is a legal requirement in all areas of National Grid’s operations as well as a significant component of our reputation as a responsible business.
Investing in, and operating gas and electricity networks can affect the environment and the communities we serve. We will comply with regulations, reduce any impacts that we may have, seek out opportunities to enhance the environment and embed sustainability in our decision making.
Our Programs
We take great pride in our recycling of scrap copper, aluminum wire, aluminum cable, lead cable, iron, steel, electric equipment, transformer oil, inefficient lighting lamps and blasts, contaminated soils, wood waste and more. In addition, we have programs in Spill Prevention, Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6), Manufactured Gas Plan Site Remediation and more.
Our dedication to wildlife is demonstrated through our Integrated Vegetation Management and Osprey Nesting programs along our rights-of-way. We proudly support the Massachusetts Bald Eagle Survey, protecting the Blue-Spotted Salamander and the preservation of a 306-acre wildlife preserve at Salisbury Salt marsh in Salisbury, Massachusetts.
We are a participating member in the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (CWRP), a group aiming to preserve, restore, enhance and protect aquatic habitats throughout the U.S. CWRP works in cooperation with Coastal America, a unique partnership of federal agencies, state and local governments.
Each unit of energy saved helps reduce the impact on the global climate. We offer our customers a wide range of programs and information to help them use electricity and natural gas more efficiently. We also support and contribute to the Renewable Energy Trust Fund, take an active role in photovoltaic research and alternatively-fueled and hybrid vehicles.
We provide educational literature, posters, and videotapes for grades K-8 at no cost to schools within its service territory. All materials have an environmental, energy, or electricity and gas safety content. We also take an active role in local activities and envirothons.
National Grid is committed to being a leading advocate of solar generation in the Northeast. We believe that climate change is a significant and pressing issue, and have taken measures to expand our renewable generation development by investing in solar power. The National Grid Massachusetts Solar Program is comprised of 30 utility-scale company-owned solar farms across the state. We operate 21 MW of solar generation and are completing an additional 14 MW for a total of 35 MW. We are doing our part to support Massachusetts in its goals to advance solar as a major energy source, and raise awareness about the benefits of solar power.