Global utilities in water and wastewater are making bold strides toward reducing their carbon footprint, according to a recent survey of 100 utilities in North America and Europe. The survey, sponsored by water technology leader Xylem, reveals that 75% of respondents plan to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2040 or sooner. Almost half of respondents have set a net-zero emissions target and 42% are working toward reducing their emissions.
Xylem’s President and CEO, Patrick Decker, points out that the water sector plays a major role in reducing global GHG emissions but is energy-intensive. However, by using innovative technology, utilities can manage water much more efficiently and affordably while reducing their carbon footprint. In Xylem’s newly launched 2022 Sustainability Report, the company shows that its cutting-edge technologies have already helped customers reduce their CO2e footprint by over 2.8 million metric tons since 2019.
European utilities are actively looking to install more energy-efficient technologies, with 31% of respondents planning to do so. Meanwhile, 29% are exploring advanced metering infrastructure and leak-detection solutions, and 24% are investigating treatment system optimization technologies. In North America, 35% of respondents plan to implement plant optimization technologies to meet their decarbonization goals.
Advanced digital solutions are also helping utilities improve operational and environmental outcomes at an affordable cost. For example, the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) in the U.S. saved $145 million by implementing a smart sewer system that reduced polluted water flowing into its rivers during storm events, solving a longstanding problem without having to invest in new infrastructure.
Global Utilities Race To Net-Zero
While many utilities do not prioritize process emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide, they have a significant impact on total emissions. This highlights the importance of better understanding the issue and investing in innovative solutions to tackle these types of emissions. Xylem’s latest whitepaper, “Net Zero – The Race We All Win” outlines the decarbonization strategies of forward-thinking utilities.
The decarbonization strategies being deployed by these forward-thinking utilities are captured in Xylem’s recent paper, Net Zero – The Race We All Win.
Read more articles about emission reduction and climate change:
Evoqua Announces ESG Goals for Recycling and Reuse of Water and Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Northumbrian Water joins the Race to Zero
Global Utilities Set the Pace in Race to Reduce Carbon Emissions
