Emissions
We recognise that air pollution is an important environmental and public health issue, and we are taking steps to monitor and manage air the pollution air emissions associated with our operations. Air quality forms part of our broader environmental strategy policy, with our approach informed by relevant environmental regulation, permit requirements, and the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan.
Our commitment for GHG Emissions
We’ve pledged to achieve net zero operational carbon emissions by 2030 – a pledge shaped by what matters to our customers and communities.
How we’re getting there
Our approach means focusing resources where they matter most. The road isn’t linear, and we know that in the short term, emissions may rise due to population growth and increasing statutory obligations. Therefore, we have been investing heavily in innovation and securing funding to address our biggest sources of greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide and methane emissions which come from our wastewater and sludge treatment.
We have also been ramping up renewable energy and transitioning our fleet to electric and alternative-fuel vehicles alongside our supply chain.
Innovation towards Net Zero
We’re investing in industry-leading solutions, like the Net Zero Hub at Strongford wastewater treatment works. Here were using integrated technologies to reduce and remove process emissions while boosting biomethane production. These innovations will help accelerate learning across the rest of the sector.
Collaboration
We know we can’t do this alone. That’s why we’re:
Non-greenhouse gases air emission
We monitor non-greenhouse gas air emissions across relevant operations, including fleet activities, wastewater treatment and bioresources sites. We also monitor emissions from generators, used for back up power generation on water treatment and groundwater pumping station sites.
Air emissions are monitored across our operational sites in accordance with environmental permit requirements. We use Best Available Techniques (BAT) and robust operational controls to minimise emissions and maintain compliance. Monitoring covers key pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM2.5), non-menthane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and ammonia (NH3). Our permits set specific emission limits, and we work to ensure emissions remain within these limits through ongoing monitoring and operational controls. We report our non-GHG emissions annually to the Environment Agency.
We're implementing a range of initiatives to reduce air emissions on operational sites. These include;
We also maintain our vehicle fleet through regular servicing and emissions testing to help minimise air emissions. Vehicles are fitted with emission control technologies, including diesel particulate filters, and daily checks help identify and address issues promptly.
We are reducing emissions by replacing older vehicles with newer, more efficient models and increasing the number of electric vehicles in our fleet. We are also working to reduce unnecessary mileage and improve maintenance efficiency.
Transparency on air quality
Engagement with stakeholders is an important part of our approach. We recognise the growing interest from investors, customers, and regulators in understanding air quality impacts and performance.
To improve our communication on air quality, we now rreport relevant non-GHG air emissions data in through our the ESG Databook -