Powering progress: Renewable electricity and the path to net zero

Reducing carbon emissions across the UK is not only an environmental imperative.

It brings tangible benefits for people’s health and wellbeing, supports nature recovery, and helps create resilient, sustainable local economies. At Norse Group, this understanding sits at the heart of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, shaping how we operate today and how we plan for the future.

One of the most significant steps taken recently has been the transition to renewable electricity across our operational estate. In October 2024, Norse Group began purchasing renewable electricity for sites where we directly control electricity procurement. This marked an important milestone in our journey towards becoming a net zero organisation by 2050. Where electricity supply is managed by landlords, we are working in partnership with them to explore opportunities to transition to renewable energy and share the long-term environmental and operational benefits.

Electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions. Unlike fossil fuel-based generation, renewable electricity avoids the release of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, all of which contribute to climate change and poor air quality. Cleaner energy means healthier communities, particularly in urban areas where air pollution can have a direct impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

The impact of this transition has been significant. When comparing April to September 2024 with the same period in 2025, Norse Group’s market-based emissions reduced by 41.8 percent. In real terms, this equates to 642 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, roughly the weight of five adult blue whales.

The typical UK household produces around 0.61 tonnes of emissions each year from electricity consumption, based on the UK grid in 2024. The savings achieved through Norse Group’s switch to renewable electricity are equivalent to moving more than 2,100 homes onto renewable power for a year.

While this achievement marks real progress, the journey does not stop here. Reducing emissions from gas use, transport, fleet operations, procurement, and commuting remains a priority, and work is already underway across the business to address these areas.

Together, these actions demonstrate Norse Group’s commitment to sustainability, creating real benefits for people and places today while forging a clear, credible pathway to net zero for the future.