The race to net zero: Meet four global water utilities setting the pace on decarbonization

While we often discuss water in the context of climate impacts and adapting to extreme weather, it's crucial to remember that the water sector also plays a significant role in climate mitigation. Water and wastewater utility operations contribute an estimated 2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The water sector has a powerful opportunity to transform water management to be more energy-efficient and less carbon-intensive – and be a leader in the race to net zero.

Research has shown that water utilities across the globe are taking up the charge and advancing ambitious plans to decarbonize. A 2023 Xylem survey of 100 utilities found that 75% had plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Every water operator faces a distinct set of challenges in reducing their emissions. However, there are common threads among utilities that are setting the pace.

• They focus on collaborating to shape realistic roadmaps for decarbonization.
  
  
• They take steps to modernize their infrastructure, including deploying digital solutions that drive energy, water and cost-savings.
  
  
• They adopt a systemic approach to delivering tangible, measurable progress.

Meet four water utilities leading the way.

1. Aguas Andinas, Santiago, Chile
Mapping a decarbonization strategy with data-backed targets

Aguas Andinas, which supplies water and wastewater in Santiago, Chile, is focused on reducing carbon wherever it can and tracking results to develop a deep understanding of its emissions footprint before committing to an overall net-zero target.

“We are cautious but committed in our approach to net zero, focusing on realistic and achievable goals that align with our sustainability vision. Accurate data collection and analysis are foundational for setting carbon reduction targets,” says Felipe Sánchez, Sustainability Manager at Aguas Andinas.

The water operator’s efforts to explore every avenue to drive incremental progress and become more sustainable are paying off. By purchasing renewable energy and reducing energy use, Aguas Andinas has reduced emissions by 25%. Read more.

2. Beijing Drainage Group, Beijing, China
Using digital tools to advance the city’s carbon-neutrality goals

Beijing Drainage Group (BDG) was the first utility in China to commit to ambitious carbon neutrality goals, setting a roadmap to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2050. BDG uses digital tools to drive progress towards decarbonization targets aligned with broader municipal goals. This holistic approach motivates teams by demonstrating how individual targets support broader outcomes. It’s also producing significant gains – with the help of digital technology, BDG has reduced its energy consumption by 15%.

“Sustainability goes hand in hand with digital transformation. We shaped our digital plan to advance our net-zero goals while supporting our capital city’s carbon neutrality target of achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030,” says Yongtao Ge, Director of Operations at Beijing Drainage Group. Read more.

3. De Watergroep, Flanders, Belgium
Embedding net zero into long-term capital planning

De Watergroep in Belgium has achieved significant GHG reduction through sustainable energy use. Now, the utility is taking the next step. De Watergroep is incorporating sustainability into its long-term capital planning to prioritize projects that reduce the utility’s current carbon output and its need for future grey infrastructure. This approach illustrates how utilities can deliver long-term carbon reduction by reframing cost-benefit analyses for new projects.

Hans Goossens, Chief Executive of De Watergroep, says, “You only have a business in the future if you are sustainable. If we can work on adaptation and mitigation, together, we avoid the increasing need to adapt to even more extremes.” Read more.

4. Ruhrverband, Essen, Germany
Harnessing process waste to advance net zero

German utility Ruhrverband is building resiliency and sustainability in its wastewater treatment operations through innovative practices to manage nitrous oxide and methane gas emissions and generate power onsite. The utility has started a monitoring program at two treatment sites to model data and potentially utilize artificial intelligence to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions.

Ruhrverband is also examining new methods to treat and dry sludge to minimize methane gas emissions. The utility already collects and uses methane to help produce energy in an environmentally friendly manner.

This shift from viewing process waste as a problem to solve to an asset to harness is vital for the water sector, which is responsible for about 4.7% of global methane emissions and 3.4% of nitrous oxide emissions. The message is clear – instead of just estimating process emissions, water utilities can monitor, manage and even monetize them. Read more.

Join Xylem at the 2024 IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition on August 11-14 to learn more about the water sector’s Race to Net-Zero.