Scottish Water is using net zero as a catalyst for innovation by assessing how to cut energy consumption and maintenance costs, reduce carbon output, and optimize asset performance.
Scottish Water serves more than 2.6 million homes and 150,000 businesses across Scotland. It has a roadmap to become carbon neutral by 2040. Increasing the sustainability of wastewater pumping stations is central to that plan. The utility initially piloted smart pumping systems at two sites, with transformative results.
Energy consumption fell by 40% and unplanned maintenance costs were cut by 99%.
Scottish Water subsequently deployed remote monitoring across its network of pump stations. Weekly callouts were replaced by monthly inspections. This move has saved thousands of miles of reactive travel, and thousands of liters in diesel consumption.
Annual carbon output has been significantly reduced through remote monitoring.
"Advanced technologies can make our assets work harder and smarter. This improves efficiency, prolongs the life of our equipment, reduces service disruptions, and improves our overall environmental impact," — Nathan Wield, wastewater operations west manager at Scottish Water
By deploying remote monitoring technology to reduce energy use and unplanned maintenance, Scottish Water is addressing carbon and optimization goals, hand-in-hand.
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Carbon neutral by 2040 -
Transforming wastewater pumping stations with smart technology -
Cut annual carbon output with remote monitoring
