Innovation and Transformation Keep Net Zero Target on Track

“Through innovation and transformation, we are focused on making Scotland’s public water and waste water services fully net zero five years ahead of national targets. 
”

Elise Cartmell
Zero Emissions General Manager

Renewable projects and energy efficiency schemes as part of Scottish Water’s net zero push have generated and saved the equivalent of enough power to run 11 million homes for an hour. 

The equivalent of more than 500 football pitches of peatland – vital parts of the landscape for slowing water flow and storing emissions - has also been restored. 

The latest annual report card charting progress towards Net Zero shows positive movement towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions across services and operations. 

Activities highlighted in the latest report include: 

> 12,000 tonnes of carbon removed from processes and operations across Scottish Water – equivalent to a petrol car driving 50 million miles. 

> 48 energy efficiency projects completed in year – the biggest number so far – the equivalent energy to power five million homes for an hour. 

> Delivered renewable schemes including the first of its kind at Hamilton Waste Water Treatment Works generating almost six billion watts of sustainable power – the same amount of energy needed to power six million homes for an hour. 

> 316 hectares of peatland restored – the largest area completed in a year and the equivalent of 525 football pitches. 

The Net Zero Emissions Routemap was published four years ago and plotted out the path to emissions-free water and waste water services. 

The report, published during Scotland’s Climate Week, highlights key activities across 2023/2024 which, although the emissions footprint calculated in-year rose slightly, shows the public water and waste water organisation is on track to meet 2040 targets. 

Earlier this week Scottish Water and partner organisations including Forestry and Land Scotland and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park announced that permission had been granted to begin work on reforestation of Loch Katrine and the wider catchment to protect water supplies, improve biodiversity and capture carbon emissions. 

Elise Cartmell, Zero Emissions General Manager, said: “I am delighted to present this report which outlines the great work taking place right across Scottish Water to reduce our contribution to global emissions. 

“We remain on track to meet our targets and through innovation and transformation, we are focused on making Scotland’s public water and waste water services fully net zero five years ahead of national targets. 

“Although we saw a very slight rise in our footprint this year, caused by a rise in carbon intensity factor in grid electricity in our calculations, our focus remains on delivering our commitments to reach net zero and be a leading organisation to help others on their own journey.” 

Simon Parsons, Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance, said: “We are investing more in innovation and transformation to deliver water and waste water services for customers that are truly sustainable in the long-term. This will ensure we mitigate against the impacts of climate change and adapt to a climate changed future.” 

You can read the full annual update here: Net Zero Emissions Routemap - Scottish Water