United Utilities cut its carbon footprint by 11 per cent in the 12 months ending in March this year. In 2013-14, its carbon dioxide equivalent was 449,042 tonnes.

The figures mean the Warrington-based water supplier has reduced its carbon emissions by 23 per cent since 2005-6.

In addition, the latest Environment Agency ‘eco-friendly table’ has put United Utilities joint second out of the ten UK water and sewerage companies in 2012-13 - up from third the previous year.

The company has pledged to keep in the top 25 per cent in the medium term.

Company CEO Steve Mogford said:

‘The recent completion of our innovative, award winning, £100m+ recycling and energy plant at our Davyhulme wastewater site has contributed to our highest ever renewable energy production in 2013/14.”

‘This represents c17% of our total electricity consumption, up from c13% last year, and has helped us avoid energy purchase costs of around £10 million, as well as attracting renewable incentives of around £5 million.”

United Utilities has plans in place to further increase renewable energy production over the next few years.

The company released the information about its carbon performance with the publication last week of its financial results for 2013/14.