‘An important step forward’: UK water sector aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030

The water industry is the first sector in the UK to target net zero carbon emissions, as outlined at a major industry event held by Water UK in London.  

Alongside help from global consultancies, Ricardo and Mott Macdonald, the event analysed the sector’s current work on carbon reduction and set out potential plans for future development.

These included a reduction in emissions from waste-water treatment processes, biogas provisions to the energy grid, and the rolling out of electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

Water UK Chief Executive, Christine McGourty said of the pledge: “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.”

And the figures support her claims - according to a post on the Water UK website, the water industry saw a 43% reduction in operational emissions since 2011; an achievement that reflects both the national goal of decarbonisation for 2050 as well as the Paris Agreement’s target of a global temperature increase limit to below 2C.

“Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s the defining societal and economic   challenge of our time”, said Chief Executive of Anglian Water, Peter Simpson.

“The issue is a genuine emergency; we have no time to waste. Achieving net zero is part of our industry’s wider commitment to always act in the public interest.”

Progress will be assessed each year by an independent body, with key milestones reported publicly; and research will be shared to help other energy-intensive sectors deliver on zero carbonisation.Reducing water leakage and promoting refillable water bottles is also part of the sector’s wider ambitions, the latter of which is said to help prevent the equivalent of four billion plastic bottles going to waste.