Wessex emissions goal includes total net zero by 2040

Wessex Water has published a routemap of its plans to reduce its operational carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 with a commitment to achieving net zero emissions in carbon from its capital programme and supply chain by 2040.

Wessex's approach for operational emissions will comprise

• emissions reduction measures including reducing water use and leakage, greater use of low-carbon transport; and deploying nature-based solutions;

• greater efficiency and control including greater energy efficiency and better monitoring and control of nitrous oxide release from sewage treatment; and

• greaser use of renewable energy by increasing use of in-house generated biogas and wind and solar power, either as generators or as the end-user.

The company said it will “pursue more innovative options involving emerging science and technology.”

“would be a last resort if we were unable to secure net zero carbon emissions from background reductions, our own operations and from emerging science and technologies.”

Wessex’s planned “total carbon’” target will add to its operating endeavours with moves to curb emissions related to materials, transport, construction and other elements of its its capital programme. It will add also emissions related to its supply chain including the manufacture and delivery of goods and consumables, chemicals, IT equipment and stationery.

Wessex’s chief, Colin Skellett, in his foreword to the routemap document, said the net zero project “will require substantial investment, collaboration and innovation. We are keen to work with our communities, our customers, and other stakeholders to meet this challenge, often with new ways of working or emerging technologies.”

Wessex reported that its net emissions in 2019-20 were equivalent to 117kt of carbon dioxide with some 65% of that related to energy use, 25% from sewage and sludge process emissions and 10% from transport.