Edinburgh Declaration

Net Zero on Track as Scottish Water Sign Global Declaration

Picture of SCOTTISH WATER

SCOTTISH WATER

Scottish Water has posted an update on the first year since publication of its Net Zero Emissions Routemap.

It outlines the activities which have taken place during the 12 months since September 14th 2020 to further reduce emissions and lay the foundation work to enable future decreases.

The public water and waste water services organisation has been reducing its carbon footprint since 2006 and has now achieved more than 249,000 tCO2e – a 2 per cent reduction on the previous year. In 2006 our emissions were 462,000 tCO2e.

During the year there was a focus on our four strategic areas of action which can help us reduce further and faster to become net zero by 2040 – five years ahead of national targets.

A programme of organisation-wide transformation has also been developed which will enable even more work to be done to limit our impact on the environment.

The routemap was published in 2020 during Climate Week and again it provides a platform for the first annual update on progress.

Scottish Water is working closely with a broad spectrum of partners – from our supply chain to academia, private and public sector – to go beyond net zero.

To mark climate week and the anniversary of the routemap, Scottish Water has become a signatory to the Edinburgh Declaration – an international statement of intent led by Scottish Government to ensure action is taken at all levels to protect global biodiversity.

Edinburgh Declaration

“We are committed to playing our part in supporting a flourishing Scottish environment. Signing the Edinburgh Declaration signals our intent to tackle biodiversity loss and protect nature alongside our commitment to be net zero by 2040.”

Simon Parsons, Scottish Water’s director for Strategic Customer Service Planning

CASE STUDY

Douglas Park Community Consultation in Dundee

Scottish Water has been a partner in a project, led by the local community and supported by the National Lottery’s Community Fund, to regenerate the site once occupied by Douglas Primary School as a multi-functional greenspace.

Our team worked with the community to incorporate sustainable drainage features in the new park, which store and slowly release the rainwater that falls on surrounding roads and rooftops during storms. This eases pressure on the combined sewer network in the local area, as well as helping to protect the local environment and reduce flood risk from the Dighty Burn. Importantly, the community has been able to realise its wider aims by creating an attractive outdoor space that also provides a home for wildlife; and can be enjoyed for play, relaxation, exercise, events and the growing of food.

Planning is now underway to introduce more sustainable water management measures in the area surrounding the park, with the aim of disconnecting over 40,000m2 of land area from the combined sewer network; and helping to enable the development of more social housing in Douglas. Engagement with the community, including schools and other key stakeholders, is being carried out to help shape the proposals.

Work with the community and Dundee City Council on sustainable drainage for Douglas has helped to inspire the Water Resilient Dundee partnership. This initiative is now pursuing opportunities for more sustainable management of stormwater across the city, reducing flood risk in communities, creating capacity for development and enhancing amenity.