HAMPTON, N.H., February 8, 2023 – Unitil Corporation, (Unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, recently released its 2022 “Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Report” to outline the steps the company is taking to meet its long-term commitment to creating a greener future.
Now in its fourth year, the report provides a detailed look at how the company is embracing sustainability in everyday business practices.
The report highlights Unitil’s goal to reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050; efforts to shift how the company powers its fleet and facilities more sustainably; and initiatives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce, among other things.
In 2022, Unitil added its first hybrid electric bucket trucks, which use a rechargeable battery to power the boom, and several hybrid work trucks to its fleet in an effort to reduce emissions. A pilot program was also launched using idle mitigation technology, which aims to lower idling emissions from its vehicles.
“When it comes to sustainability, we know that many stakeholders – customers, employees and investors – are interested in learning our plans and our progress. By publishing an annual review, we are showing we are serious in our desire to make progress toward a more sustainable and better tomorrow. We create this report to show that these aren’t just aspirational goals, but ones we are taking concrete steps to achieve,” said Sara Sankowich, director of Sustainability and Shared Services at Unitil.
Unitil also partnered with Clean Energy NH in 2022 to host its first electric vehicle “Ride and Drive Expo” to connect customers with vehicle dealers, charger installers, and provide information on owning, driving, and charging an EV vehicle.
“We want to enable customers to move toward electric vehicles if they so desire and by having an event on site, where they could ask questions about charging, and who they would call to upgrade their system for an EV charger, we can help them feel good about making an informed choice,” Sankowich said.
The report also explains how the company is engaged in thinking about how it will adapt to what the future may bring with climate change scenario planning, and how best to prepare for impacts to the region if global temperatures rise.
“As we reviewed our sustainability goals over the past year, it’s important to realize that progress does take time. Right now, we are setting a good foundation and that includes communicating our progress every year and planning on how to get where we want to be. As that annual progress builds upon itself, the results become apparent,” Sankowich said.
To read the full report, visit https://unitil.com/reports/2022-Sustainability-Report/
About Unitil Corporation
Unitil Corporation provides energy for life by safely and reliably delivering natural gas and electricity in New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices and technologies that lead to dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Together, Unitil’s operating utilities serve approximately 108,100 electric customers and 87,500 customers. For more information about our people, technologies and community involvement please visit unitil.com.
