Monday 9 March 2020

Water industry commits to reaching net zero by 2030

The UK water industry has announced plans to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Water UK, which represents more than 25 water and wastewater companies, claims the water industry will take more steps to reduce carbon emissions, including cutting the amount of methane released from wastewater treatment works, increasing the amount of self-generated renewables it uses and shifting to electric construction equipment.

The water industry has already cut gross operational emissions by 43% since 2011, despite the population it caters to growing during this timeframe.

It said companies have increased their own renewable electricity generation by 40% in that time and have also changed the way they buy power. There has also been an increase in the purchasing of green electricity to 2,000GWh – enough to power all the households in the UK for three days.

Christine McGourty, Water UK Chief Executive, said: “The water industry has made an ambitious pledge to achieve net zero carbon by 2030.

"It’s a big challenge but water companies are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and intend to be part of the solution to the climate crisis.”