Ampcontrol’s first sustainability report sets ambitious net zero targets

Electrical engineer Ampcontrol has unveiled ambitious net zero targets in its first-ever annual Sustainability Report

The report provides transparency of annual plans and targets to combat climate action at scale, reduce operating emissions, and support industry towards decarbonisation

Achievements to date include achieving a 30 percent% reduction in operational emissions in 2023 – 12 percent ahead of pathway to meet 2030 targets.

In 2022 investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson (WHSP) went from majority to 100 per cent ownership of what is the nation’s largest privately-held electrical engineering firm.

As a private company Ampcopntrol is not required to issue a sustainability report, whereas ASX listed WHSP is.

Since the takeover Ampcontrol has been focusing on products for the energy transition including in its core market of underground mining – in May the company launched its first MegaWatt EV charger (pictured) aimed at the mining sector.

The report summarises the three-year sustainability action plan, measures, and targets for the period August 2023 – August 2026, with objectives and initiatives aligned to achieve six priority United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Good Health and Wellbeing
• Affordable and Clean Energy
• Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Responsible Consumption and Production
• And Climate Action.

Speaking at the Siemens Beyond 1% Summit in Sydney NSW, Ampcontrol Managing Director & CEO Rod Henderson said: “We are accelerating and driving sustainable outcomes through world-leading innovation, advanced technology, and collaborative partnerships to deliver industry and business success and strengthen the economy and communities in which we operate.

“We recognise that the work needs to begin with us by taking a leading role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, which is why we are challenging ourselves to go beyond legislated requirements to benefit our business and stakeholders.”

Ampcontrol has set emissions reduction targets that aim to go beyond the agreed decarbonisation pathways to limit warming to well below 2 degrees (preferably 1.5 degrees) on pre-industrial levels.

This includes an interim target of 60 percent reduction of absolute operational greenhouse emissions by 2030 from a 2020 baseline, and net zero emissions by 2040.

To achieve these targets, Ampcontrol has implemented several decarbonisation initiatives, including:

• The rollout of rooftop solar PV on Ampcontrol operating sites and facilities
• Signing of a 10-year renewable power purchase agreement for its NSW sites
• Optimisation of electricity usage through energy efficiency and smart energy projects, including LED lighting upgrades and equipment power monitoring
• Implementation of a low emissions vehicle policy and transition plan for the global Ampcontrol vehicle fleet
• And phased transition of Natural Gas heating at Ampcontrol operating sites and facilities to renewable electricity heating.

  Further reading:
  WHSP to acquire Ampcontrol, citing decarbonisation potential
  Ampcontrol launches mining industry electric vehicle charger

Picture: Ampcontrol/MegaWatt Charger