Water Plus, the UK’s largest business water retailer, has achieved a Net Zero standard confirming that its carbon reduction pathway meets — and exceeds — the science-based target trajectory aligned to limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The company is the first business water retailer to secure a Net Zero target aligned to science-based targets, reflecting its growing focus on large-scale water efficiency, carbon reduction and support for multi-site organisations pursuing sustainability goals.
Net Zero standard confirms science-based reduction pathway
The Net Zero standard was achieved through work with Carbon Footprint Ltd, with Water Plus committing to reach Net Zero by 2040. The target takes account of water wholesaler Net Zero commitments of 2030 in England and 2040 in Scotland, which form part of the company’s Scope 3 emissions.
Water Plus says the standard validates its reduction pathway across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, while demonstrating that water efficiency can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions linked to energy use and treatment.
Linking water efficiency and carbon reduction
The Net Zero milestone comes as Water Plus expands its Be Wise On Water activities, which highlight the connection between water use and carbon emissions at business sites across England and Scotland.
This includes collaborative awareness initiatives such as working with the Call to Earth team on a 3,000-mile unsupported Atlantic rowing challenge, aimed at encouraging climate action and sustainable water use.
Jason Scagell, Chief Executive of Water Plus, said that more businesses are recognising how improved water management can help cut carbon emissions, reduce energy use and lower wholesaler costs.
Delivering measurable water and cost savings
Water Plus highlighted a range of large-scale water efficiency and proactive management projects delivered during 2025. These include an average 42.5% reduction in daily water use at one site following detailed analysis, audits and the installation of efficiency devices.
Another major UK organisation has already seen benefits from a programme auditing 800 sites, with more than 200 water audits completed and over 500 water-saving devices installed during 2025, alongside further work planned for 2026.
Across other joint initiatives with water wholesalers, Water Plus supported water savings at hundreds of customer sites, while identifying and fixing leaks that delivered an estimated £4.1 million saving in wholesaler charges during 2025.
Recognition for customer engagement and sustainability
In addition to its Net Zero progress, Water Plus has been named a finalist for a 2026 UK Customer Satisfaction Award, following its 2025 award win for Sustainable Customer Service from the Institute of Customer Service.
The recognition reflects the company’s customer engagement approach, Be Wise On Water campaigning and delivery of water efficiency projects, alongside support for wider decarbonisation initiatives such as peatland restoration in Scotland and seagrass restoration projects around the UK.
Further information on Water Plus sustainability initiatives is available at water-plus.co.uk.
