Welsh Water Joins the United Nations ‘Race to Zero’ Campaign

The not-for-profit water company has officially joined the Race to Zero global campaign ahead of the UN climate summit COP26 in Glasgow

Announcement comes following Welsh Water’s commitment to becoming a net zero carbon emissions company earlier this month
Welsh Water, the only not for profit water company in England and Wales, has joined the Race to Zero as a member of Water UK who represent the water sector as an official campaign partner. The global campaign aims to rally leadership globally across businesses, cities, regions and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery.

This announcement reinforces the company’s ambitious, proactive response to the climate emergency. Earlier this month, Welsh Water announced plans to reduce both operational and capital carbon emissions to net zero by 2040, including a commitment to be 35% energy self-sufficient by 2025, and increasing the use of renewables to achieve full energy independence by 2050.

As one of Wales’ largest energy users, the company aims to reduce total carbon emissions by 90% by 2030. To transform water and wastewater services, the company has set aside a record budget of over £80 million for research and innovation over the next five years. Between now and 2040 it plans to innovate how it harnesses nature through its biodiversity plan, peatland restoration, wetland treatment and catchment management.

Peter Perry, CEO of Welsh Water said:

“We are delighted to have joined the Race to Zero and look forward to working with the sector and sharing learning on the journey to net zero emissions. As a company owned on behalf of our customers, we know that the environment is important to them and are proud of our ambitious environmental plans. As one of the flagship companies in Wales, our target is about taking responsibility for managing the biggest challenge of our time in terms of climate change, focusing on the long-term and ensuring we help protect our customers, communities and the wider environment and create a better future for generations to come.”

Christine McGourty, CEO of Water UK said:

“I am delighted that Welsh Water have become a member of Race to Zero, and congratulate them on their ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

“It’s important that flagship businesses like Welsh Water are taking responsibility and delivering serious plans to help protect customers, communities, and the wider environment, in order to deliver a better future for generations to come. As one of the largest energy users in Wales, their plans to achieve 100% energy self-sufficiency by 2050 will play a significant role in the country’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

“Ahead of COP26, I believe the water industry can go further and faster together on this essential journey to net zero and the event is a great opportunity for companies to collaborate, build best practice and share learnings to deliver on the net zero challenge.”