What is the environmental policy of Southern Water?
Southern Water's environmental policy is centered on a strong commitment to sustainable practices and significant improvements in its operational impact, as outlined in their public statements on environmental responsibility. Their core focus is on working in a responsible, sustainable way while consistently delivering the service their customers expect.
Core Pillars of Southern Water's Environmental Commitment
As part of their dedication to environmental stewardship, Southern Water has established clear goals and areas of focus. These commitments underpin their approach to minimizing their ecological footprint and enhancing natural environments.
1. Achieving Net Zero Emissions
A primary objective within Southern Water's environmental strategy is reaching net zero by 2050. This ambitious goal demonstrates their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across their operations, contributing to broader climate change mitigation efforts. Achieving net zero involves a combination of reducing energy consumption, investing in renewable energy sources, and potentially offsetting any unavoidable emissions.
2. Significantly Reducing Reliance on Storm Overflows
Another critical aspect of Southern Water's environmental policy is their pledge to significantly reduce their reliance on storm overflows. Storm overflows, designed to prevent homes and streets from flooding during heavy rainfall, can discharge diluted wastewater into rivers and coastal areas. Southern Water's commitment aims to minimize these discharges, thereby improving water quality and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This involves investments in infrastructure, innovative treatment technologies, and enhanced network management.
Operational Philosophy
Beyond specific targets, Southern Water emphasizes an overarching philosophy of sustainable operation. They are focused on:
- Responsible Operations: Ensuring all activities are conducted with an awareness of their environmental impact and a commitment to mitigating any negative effects.
- Sustainable Practices: Integrating sustainability into every aspect of their service delivery, from water abstraction and treatment to wastewater management and asset maintenance.
- Customer Service Integration: Balancing environmental goals with the consistent delivery of essential water and wastewater services that customers rely on.
These commitments reflect Southern Water's proactive stance on addressing critical environmental challenges and working towards a more sustainable future.
