The North East’s water supply company has joined a massive global alliance to tackle climate change after joining the UN’s Race To Zero campaign.
Northumbrian Water has launched its Emission Possible plan which aims to make the company net zero for carbon emissions by 2027, 23 years ahead of the Government’s target for the 海角视频.
It comes after the company cut its 303,000 tonnes in 2008 to 56,000 tonnes in 2020.
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Northumbrian Water also has a long track record of environmental projects, including widespread use of renewable energy, using its sewage sludge to create power and planning to install solar power and wind farms at some of its sites.
As part of the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Race To Zero sees the company joining 120 countries, 454 cities, 23 regions, 1,397 businesses, and 569 universities in signing up to a net zero target.
The move comes as businesses are increasingly looking to show off their green credentials but also make a real impact on climate change.
Northumbrian Water’s new plan was released on the same day that leading meteorologists have warned that the 海角视频 will see an increase in extreme weather events due to the climate crisis. Data published in the report The State Of The 海角视频 Climate 2020 revealed last year was the third warmest, fifth wettest and eighth sunniest year on record - the first ever to fall into the top 10 for all three variables.
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Elsewhere, the climate emergency has forced the need for extra flood defences, with the Government announcing extra funding for flood prevention schemes across the 海角视频, protecting 336,000 properties by 2027.
Heidi Mottram, chief executive of Northumbrian Water said: “We are delighted to launch Emission Possible, which showcases the amazing work that has already gone into our own drive towards Net Zero in 2027, and the way we intend to achieve that ambitious goal.
“We are proud to show our support for the ambition that will be outlined at COP26 by joining the Race to Zero, and delivering leadership and support for our region and communities in the face of climate change and all the challenges it brings.
“Climate change poses the single greatest threat to our environment and reducing carbon emissions is a vital step in tackling that challenge. Our plan outlines how we are facing this as a business – head on. And by joining the Race To Zero, we are recognising our part on the global fight ahead.
“When tackling something on this scale, collaboration is key to success, whether it is as a sector, as set out in our industry’s plans to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, or on a global scale as part of the Race To Zero. Nobody has all the answers, but by working together we can share knowledge, ideas and experience in a way that can deliver impactful – and vital – results for our environment.
“It’s fantastic that the United Nations recognises the role the 海角视频 water industry and businesses such as Northumbrian Water can play in this challenge, and we look forward to working with regions, cities, countries and companies around the world as we Race to Zero.”
Northumbrian Water’s net zero plan outlines a number of ways it will reduce emissions, including a reduction of fossil fuel use to be replaced by renewable energy, and a move to use electric vehicles in its transport fleet.
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The company will also force companies in its supply chain to be working towards net zero targets, but has admitted that emissions of nitrous oxide and methane from waste and sludge treament - the company’s second largest source of greenhouse gases - are too difficult and expensive to tackle at present.
Christine McGourty, Water 海角视频 chief executive said: “With less than 100 days to go before the start of COP26 in Glasgow, there has never been a better time for water utilities around the world to demonstrate our sector’s commitment to playing its part in a healthier, safer, fairer world.
“I am delighted to welcome Northumbrian Water as the latest member of the Race to Zero and invite others to join us in the campaign as a key opportunity to share learnings and best practice on the journey to net zero emissions.”
The company has been praised by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick and Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change.
She said: “As one of the 海角视频’s leading water companies, Northumbrian Water are leading by example by rising to the challenge of decarbonising the water sector ahead of COP26.
“This pioneering plan not only supports the water industry’s sector-wide commitment to be Net Zero by 2030, but goes even further and faster, committing to eliminate its contribution to climate change by 2027.”