Scottish Water’s third annual carbon footprint report shows the public utility has managed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by over 9,000 tonnes, largely due to its target-beating crackdown on leakage.

The report, which calculates the carbon cost of Scottish Water’s day-to-day operational activities during 2008-09, shows a footprint of 475,265 tonnes of CO2 equivalents. The data used to calculate the footprint has been improving year on year, so whilst comparisons with previous years are extremely difficult and it is too early to identify a definite trend, like for like measures reveal a 9,800 tonnes reduction. The saving appears to be down to Scottish Water’s reduction in demand for electricity associated with pumping water round the nation’s 47,000 kilometres of water mains. During 2008-09 Scottish Water reduced leakage by 122 million litres a day which meant less power was required to treat and supply drinking water.

The biggest element of Scottish Water’s carbon footprint – 69 per cent – is the treatment of wastewater (sewage) from homes and businesses and the subsequent sludge produced during the treatment process.

Due to the geographic nature of Scotland’s scattered population, a lot of power is required for numerous wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations to provide the appropriate level of treatment to protect the country’s rivers, lochs and beaches.

Committed to reducing energy demand even further

Richard Ackroyd, Chief Executive of Scottish Water, said:

“Reducing our carbon emissions by over 9,000 tonnes is a fantastic achievement and shows how seriously we take our responsibilities to provide a sustainable service for Scotland. We are one of the country’s largest users of electricity and will strive to reduce our demand for energy even further. We currently produce around 5 per cent through our own hydro turbines and we plan to do much more. We will maintain high standards for Scotland while reducing our impact on the global environment.”

Working with suppliers on carbon accounting

Mark Williams, Climate Change Manager for Scottish Water, said:

“This footprint is for our day to day activities. We are developing ways to account for the carbon in our capital investment as well. This will help us evolve to a more sustainable asset base. We are working with our suppliers on this and are investing in energy efficient equipment. We are also establishing our own Carbon Attainment Plan which will help identify and deliver further work to mitigate our emissions.”

“Scottish water well placed to lead the way”

WWF Scotland's Head of Policy, Dr Dan Barlow said:

“We welcome Scottish Water’s work to calculate the carbon footprint of their operations. Scottish Water activities result in significant climate emissions and the high energy use in treating and pumping water is one of the key contributors. This report will support Scottish Water to continue to take action to cut emissions from their activities.” Dr Barlow added: “The Scottish Climate Change Act requires all public bodies to help tackle climate change and Scottish Water are well placed to lead the way."