Wessex Water gets behind climate change campaign

The Make A Pledge climate drive aims to get 1,000 businesses in the South West to make at least one commitment to reduce their carbon footprint.

Wessex Water provides water and sewerage services to more than 2.8 million customers in part of the South West, focusing on the environment, sustainability and the local community.

Early this year it published a route map to achieve net zero operational carbon emissions by 2030 and full de-carbonisation of all aspects of its work by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target.

The operational net zero plan will reduce annual emissions by 110,000 tonnes of CO2.

The plan has three strands:

• Emissions avoidance by further reducing leakage and encouraging water efficiency; use of lower carbon transport and promoting low energy, nature-based solutions

• Optimisation measures to improve energy efficiency

• More renewable energy by increasing generation from biogas and new opportunities for wind and solar power, both as generator and end user

Dan Green, head of sustainability and innovation at Wessex Water, said: “There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a climate crisis. As a large company responsible for supplying water and treating the waste of millions across the South West, we believe it’s critical that we focus our efforts on ways to neutralise our carbon footprint.

“Our recently-published route map lays out how we plan to achieve net zero operational carbon by 2030, followed by net zero total carbon by 2040 at the latest.

“We wholeheartedly support the Make a Pledge campaign and would encourage all businesses across the region – no matter how big or small – to consider the commitments they can make to help save our planet.”

Paul Edwards, chair of the NatWest South West Board, said: “Wessex Water’s commitments to reducing its carbon footprint are an inspiration and set a real precedence for other businesses to follow throughout the region. It’s fantastic they have joined this important campaign, which gives the South West the chance to really lead the fight against climate change.”

Tracy Hayden, a director of advertising at Newsquest, said: “We’re delighted to welcome on board Wessex Water as our latest supporters of the climate campaign. Wessex Water are taking the lead when it comes to reducing their own carbon footprint and by joining our campaign, they are sending a positive message to other businesses, big and small, across the region.”

To make your pledge email your company name and pledge number (1-10) to climate.pledge@localiq.co.uk.

The 10 pledges

1 – Measure and Reduce Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions

2 – Reduce Energy Consumption

3 – Give Renewable Energies a go

4 – Reduce office waste

5 – Help your staff go greener with their travel

6 – Choose Greener Infrastructures and Equipment

7 – Choose Sustainable Suppliers

8 – Contribute to climate action in society

9 – Promote Environmentally Friendly Ways of Working

10 – Sign-up to the UK Government’s Together for our Planet Campaign