Water is the most essential element for life. It is what makes this precious resource one of the most important substances on our planet. Looking after this essential element for the long term is at the core of our purpose at Severn Trent and is why sustainability is fundamental to our identity as a business. Water is not an unlimited resource, and its long-term sustainability is one of the most material issues we face. We also recognise that whilst its sustainability is the most fundamental aspect of our purpose, our responsibility does not stop there. Water plays a crucial role in various aspects of our daily lives and in the world and environment we live in. Our relationship with water is symbiotic, it not only sustains us and the planet, but require us to sustain it. Water plays a key role in human health, sustenance, sanitation and hygiene, and the diverse ecosystems that sustain all other life forms. It is integral in agriculture and many of the industries that propel economic activity. It plays a critical role in climate regulation and the viability of our world.
That is why our sustainable responsibilities extend to both people and planet, because 'looking after one of life's essentials' also means looking after those that sustain it in this symbiotic relationship we have with water. The pages that follow provide an overview of our approach to sustainability and the actions we undertake at Severn Trent as well as progress updates against our targets and case study stories of impact brought to life. The pages illustrate how sustainability is a fundamental aspect of life at Severn Trent, extending across the breadth of different areas we work in. It is core to our identity and, just like water, sustainability flows through everything we do.
ARA 2024/25
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Aligning sustainability framework to SDGs
As a purpose driven company, we are conscious that we have an important part to play addressing some of the critical challenges the world faces. Our corporate strategy sets out how we prioritise delivery against our purpose. As a regional business our responsibility predominantly lies with addressing these challenges within the geographic area we serve and for the people that live within it.
In achieving our purpose within our region, we recognise that we are playing our part within a wider national and global system. At a global level, the framework most widely adopted is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda, aims to create a sustainable future for both people and the environment within a medium-term timeframe. These goals are interconnected and address global challenges that calls for the participation of all sectors of society, including governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. They are also a unique opportunity to develop innovative strategies and business models adapted tailored to a rapidly changing world. Our corporate strategy is aligned to the SDG and the illustration below shows that through our corporate strategy we are working towards addressing 11 of the 17 SDGs within our region.
To achieve the SDGs, we aim to create and develop multilevel and multistakeholder projects in collaboration with various stakeholders including our supply chain, public sector, civil society, third sector etc. These projects should be able to address the immediate complex and systemic challenges that we face today and bridge the gaps to fulfil the 2030 Agenda.
In 2024/25, we conducted a double materiality assessment. This assessment evaluates how our actions as a business impacts both people and the planet, and how sustainability issues can influence our economic stability. The assessment identified the 12 most material issues we face as a business and we have also aligned these with the SDGs, demonstrating that the work we do is aligned with a wider global sustainability agenda. This adds even greater credence to our corporate strategy of being 'performance driven, sustainability led' and highlights the important role of sustainability within our business.
Our CEO and chair statements
Our CEO and Chair provide their insights on Severn Trent's sustainability strategy and our ongoing commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.