Water UK is marking the first anniversary of the Race to Zero by announcing South West Water and Welsh Water as the latest water companies to join the global campaign to tackle climate change.
Together with existing campaign members Anglian Water, Severn Trent and United Utilities, the companies are responsible for the delivery of water and wastewater services to almost 19 million customers through a network of over 5,000 sites, and over 430,000km of underground pipes.
The UK water industry was the first sector in the world to publish a detailed Routemap to achieve net zero on operational emissions by 2030. Published in November last year, the Net Zero 2030 Routemap is now being used by all UK water companies as a framework on which to build their own net zero action plans.
Earlier this month, Welsh Water announced plans to reduce both operational and capital carbon emissions to net zero by 2040, including a commitment to be 35% energy self-sufficient by 2025 and achieve full energy independence by 2050. In addition to the Water UK 2030 commitment, South West Water has also committed to reducing all Scope 3 emissions – for example, greenhouse gases which come from purchasing goods and services – by no later than 2045.
The Race to Zero is the UN-backed global campaign rallying non-state actors – including companies, cities, regions, financial and educational institutions – to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world.
Water UK Chief Executive, Christine McGourty, said: “I am delighted to welcome South West Water and Welsh Water as the latest members of Race to Zero, and congratulate them on their net zero plans to address the global challenge of climate change.
“By working together, I truly believe that we can meet the challenge of cutting emissions to net zero well in advance of the UK’s target. As we approach COP26, I would encourage all water utilities from around the world to join our members on this essential journey as we work to build best practice and share learnings on the net zero challenge.”
Welsh Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Perry, said: “We are delighted to have joined the Race to Zero and look forward to working together and sharing learning on the journey to net zero emissions. As a company owned on behalf of our customers, we know that the environment is important to them and are proud of our ambitious environmental plans.
“As one of the flagship companies in Wales, our target is about taking responsibility for managing the biggest challenge of our time in terms of climate change, focusing on the long-term and ensuring we help protect our customers, communities and the wider environment and create a better future for generations to come.”
South West Water Engineering Director, Matt Crabtree said: “South West Water is committed to our role in addressing the global challenge of Climate Change.
“We are scaling up our investment in the environment and have kickstarted our race to net zero. Joining the Race to Zero confirms the plans and work we have underway within our business, recognising that a healthy environment is vital for the long-term sustainability of our planet.”
Water UK is working as an official partner to the Race to Zero to encourage providers of water and wastewater services around the world to commit to achieving net zero ahead of the COP26 Climate Conference this November. The campaign’s ambition is to mobilise major water companies responsible for 20% of global water supply, with the aim of delivering the full decarbonisation of water and wastewater services in 20 countries by 2030.
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