United Utilities first set out its Carbon Strategy in 2007. Since then, there have been changes in the internal and external landscape that affect the appropriateness of the original strategy. This year we have extensively reviewed our carbon strategy and revised our short-term target.
We have already attained the Carbon Trust Standard, which “certifies organisations for real carbon reduction and commitment to ongoing reductions”.
Now we are preparing for the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC), which commenced on April 1st 2010. We are seeking out energy efficiency opportunities to influence our performance.
To ensure that our carbon accounting is of the highest standard we have achieved the CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme) certification for our carbon accounting methodology. This is verified externally to meet the requirements of ISO 14064:1. We are also encouraging our suppliers to do the same and lead by example.
External engagement
We continue to promote support for carbon reduction through membership of industry bodies and engaging with policy makers and regulators. This demonstrates our commitment to promoting responsible business practice to others.
These organisations include:
Internal engagement
We aim to make carbon an integral part of our company thinking.
Investment: We have made significant progress in embedding carbon into investment decision making and processes through our in-house developed suite of Carbon and Sustainability Estimating (CASE) tools.
Treatment technology: We monitor the operational, managerial and financial performance of treatment works using performance dashboards and we have now added a carbon dashboard. This shows the carbon footprint of the energy used on site and allows us to set targets and benchmark parameters for works and processes. This gives real-time information to site operators that helps them operate our assets more effectively and efficiently.
Renewable electricity: This year we have generated 106.56 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable electricity, 6% more than in 2008/09 and the most we have ever generated. This is the equivalent energy use of more than 22,000 average UK households. We continue to invest in:
- renewable energy (nearly 13% of our electricity needs are generated from our own renewable sources)
- energy efficiency measures
- research into low-carbon technologies