South West Water and Welsh Water join global zero carbon push

South West Water and Welsh Water have become the latest water companies to join the Race to Zero global campaign to tackle climate change.

Water UK, an official partner of Race to Zero, issued the news to mark the first anniversary of the campaign, which seeks to rally 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 is specifically encouraging 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.

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.

Anglian Water, Severn Trent and United Utilities are already Race to Zero members.