Tracking the effectiveness of sustainability targets

Tracking inflow of resources

To track the effectiveness on our inflow targets, we use the circularity model. This shows the amount of primary material in a product. We also request raw material passports from suppliers of low-voltage (LV) cables, mid-voltage (MV) cables, gas pipes and distribution transformers. If they cannot provide these, we rely on our component specialists' knowledge about the composition and weight of the components. If we have not received a raw material passport, we qualify materials as primary, although it is very assumable that secundary material is used .^{(E5 32, MDR-T 77a)}

Primary raw materials per product unit:

^{MDR-T 75c, MDR-T TV25, MDR-T 80 d,e, j}

In 2024, we achieved a reduction in the amount of primary raw materials per unit of product for two components, namely 7% (transformers) and 1% (LV cables), compared to 2014. For the other components, we see an increase in the amount of material per unit of product. This is due to the need to standardize (we order less small exception cables) to ensure building progress. Another reason is our gas pipes are replaced by pipes made of PE and PVC, which according to the standard must be made of 100% primary material. And lastly market tightness lead to the situation that we were not all the time in a position to set requirements for the composition of the cables we ordered. Therefore, we are not yet on track towards our 2030 goal.^{(MDR-T 79c, 80j)} 

Based on the data from the circularity model, we report the material composition and the percentage of secundary material used for each component. This results in the following table for LV cables, MV cables, gas pipes and distribution transformers: ^{(E5-4, para 30)}

^{(E5-4, para 30, para 31 a,c,)}

In addition to copper and aluminium, our components are likely to contain other critical materials and rare earth metals. For example, we know that iron ore mining can result in impurities, which may lead to the presence of silicon (≤ 0.4%) and titanium (≤ 0.04%) in our gas pipes. Trace amounts of nickel (≤ 0.5%) and niobium (≤ 0.06%) may also be present in steel pipes.

Our transformers contain silicon metal in addition to copper and aluminium. Similarly, our MV and LV cables contain critical materials such as copper and aluminium. ^{(E5-4, para 30).}

Tracking outflow of resources

Waste occurs when we buy more than we need, use materials inefficiently, do not separate waste optimally or when materials unnecessarily become waste. For now, we can only track the amount of waste in terms of discarded materials (see later in this chapter). Waste cannot be entirely avoided. For example, there will always be cutting losses and small cable lengths that are no longer usable.

We see reuse as part of the material outflows, even though, in practice, it takes place in our operations, and materials and components flow back into the system. We consider reuse as outflow because we can only assess the reusability of materials and components once they leave the operation. We cannot (yet) predict this in advance during the inflow phase.

Since 2017, we have been monitoring the purchase value that we avoid through reuse. This is an entity-specific metric related to IRO reuse. That is why this metric has been included in the sustainability statements. Thanks to reuse, we are saving more and more money because the number of components and parts we reuse is increasing, and new components have become more expensive.

The avoided purchase value is calculated by determining the replacement value of the component or part that is being reused. By reusing, we save the costs of a new component or part. The costs incurred to make the product reusable are deducted from the replacement value.

 ^{(ESRS 2, MDR-M 75, MDR-T 79a, c, d)}

We expect the avoided purchase value to continue to grow in the coming years. We cannot accurately predict what the financial benefits will be in the future, as it is difficult to estimate how many components and elements will flow out our grid that will be suitable for reuse. ^{(E5-6, 43)} 

Waste

We use raw materials from our processes as carefully as possible. The total amount of waste in 2024 was 22,1 million kilograms. We seperated our waste into 92 streams. This information is provided by the company that collects, treats and processes our waste streams. ^{(ESRS 2 MDR-M 77a, b, E5-40)}

^{(E5-5, 37 a-d, 39, ESRS 2 MDR-M 75, MDR-T 79c)}

Classification of waste

Hazardous waste contains substances that are or may be harmful to human health or the environment. The European Waste List (EURAL) determines which waste streams are classified as hazardous. 

Products in waste streams specific to us as a grid operator:

^{(E5-5, 38 a,b)} 

We occasionally dispose radioactive waste. This may occur during the decommissioning of power transformers. ^{(E5-5 39)}