UK water companies have joined forces as part of the Race to Zero campaign, pledging to deliver a net zero water supply for customers by 2030.
Water UK, which represents all water companies in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, has announced to have become an official partner to the UNFCCC’s Race to Zero campaign, a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a zero carbon recovery.
Christine McGourty, Water UK Chief Executive, commented: “The publication of the Net Zero 2030 Routemap was a major step forward for our sector so we’re incredibly proud to be taking this forward as the first industry trade body to join the Race to Zero campaign.
“Working in partnership with other businesses, government, and our regulators, we intend to deliver this plan decisively, openly and quickly, and look forward to sharing our experience with other infrastructure, utility and energy-intensive industries as we continue to tackle the threat of global climate change.”
Anglian Water and Severn Trent have been confirmed as the first companies to join the campaign under the Water UK umbrella, building on the launch of the sector’s Net Zero 2030 Routemap in November last year.
Peter Simpson. Anglian Water Chief Executive, commented: “We’re proud to be one of the first companies to join the international Race to Zero Campaign, and to share our ambition and journey as an industry to reach net zero carbon by 2030.
“Never has the opportunity been greater to work towards a better, greener recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, nor has the need been more critical.
“In the East of England, we face the challenges brought by climate change and population growth more keenly than anywhere else in the UK, and it is only by working collaboratively towards a common goal that we will reach our target.”
Designed to provide water companies with a framework on which to build their own net zero action plans, the Routemap estimates potential investments of £2-4bn into tackling the emissions associated with providing clean water to over 28 million homes and businesses.
James Jesic, Severn Trent Customer Operations Director, added: “We’re extremely proud to be one of the first water companies in the UK to sign up to the Race to Zero campaign, joining like-minded companies from around the world to make a real difference.
“This campaign is the perfect fit for us, building on the great work we’ve already been doing to deliver a net zero water supply for our customers by 2030.
“We believe initiatives like this can make a real difference to the environment, as well as for people and the communities we serve.”
