SBTi approves Water Plus carbon reduction targets
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
Leading the way to Net Zero
A first for the sector
In a first, Water Plus has had its Net Zero targets validated by the globally recognised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as it leads the sector on larger-scale water savings at sites and helping customers accelerate progress on sustainability goals.
It follows the UK’s largest business water retailer previously being the first to gain a Net Zero standard from Carbon Footprint, confirming its reduction pathway not only meets, but beats the science-based target trajectory for 1.5C that many businesses aspire to.
The Net Zero target for 2040, takes account of water wholesaler targets for Net Zero by 2030 in England and 2040 in Scotland, part of the supply chain for all water retailers, under Scope 3.
Carbon reduction activities by Water Plus includes:
SBTi verified Near Term and Net Zero target
The SBTi validated targets cover the below commitments to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain:
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In the near term, to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, by 25.3%, by financial year 2030, from a financial year 2024/2025 base year.
Within this target, Water Plus commits to reduce scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 42% and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by the 2030 financial year.
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And to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, by 90%, by financial year 2040, from a financial year 2024/2025 base year.
SBTi classifies greenhouse gas emissions in three scopes:
Scope 1 – direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company.
Scope 2 – indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling.
Scope 3 – other emissions associated with a company’s activities.
While homeworking and business hotel stays are not included within the target boundary, for Scope 3 emissions, Water Plus is tracking this area as it continues gathering additional data around carbon emissions and exploring more areas where carbon emissions can be reduced.
Award-winning service
Water Plus Recognized for Sustainability Leadership
In 2026, the Water Plus’s teams actions to drive customer experience enhancements and improvements has seen it named Best Business Water Retailer, in the UK Enterprise Awards 2026.
It’s also seen recognition including being a Finalist for two 2026 UK Customer Satisfaction Awards, after winning a 2025 UK Customer Satisfaction Award, for Sustainable Customer Service, from best practice leaders the Institute of Customer Service.
And Water Plus was a Finalist in the Water Industry Awards 2026, for Water Efficiency Project of the Year.
In other actions, in support of Sustainable Development Goals, Water Plus has also supported projects that prevent carbon emissions, including peatland restoration in Scotland and seagrass restoration around the UK.
More on the projects Water Plus supports, to help decarbonisation and deliver positive results and benefits for communities, in the UK, at:
Additional information
Net Zero and carbon data:
39% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (location-based) between 24/25 and 25/26 financial years.
As part of actions to improve carbon data and for target setting from 2025 onwards, Water Plus is a Carbon Assessed organisation for 25/26, after working with Carbon Footprint Ltd. It was assessed by Carbon Footprint for Scope 1 and 2 emissions and elements of Scope 3, including business travel, homeworking and employee commuting.
Carbon Footprint Net Zero Standard:
A Supply Chain Review, for Water Plus, was completed by September 2025, to gather the additional carbon emissions data needed to set a science-based aligned reduction strategy and target. The Carbon Footprint Net Zero Standard means Water Plus also has a robust framework for its carbon reductions, which is aligned to international best practice and standards, including science-based targets.
Savings figures:
**4,660 visits completed April 2025 to March 2026, with at least 821m3 saved a-day, tracked through meter readings in 2026 taken before and after efficiency measures installed and action in the approach.
3.2 million cuppas a day based on each holding 250ml of water.
800 primary and secondary schools are amongst sites cutting water use - with schools seeing at least 311m3 (311,000 litres) of water saved a day in 2026, in the collaborative approach. Based on water meter data up to July 2026.
Each site taking part received a free water audit and water-saving kit installed on taps, with any smaller leaks identified in the checks at the buildings being isolated or repaired. Audits to identify areas for savings, installing water-saving kit and leak repairs were funded by the regional wholesaler United Utilities.
The sites were engaged by Water Plus under its Be Wise On Water awareness and engagement approach and are in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire and Merseyside.
Other schools have also been helped to reduce water use through services Water Plus can provide in 2026.
*** 744,000 litres a day water-saving from a leak repair, completed through services Water Plus can provide.
655 water efficiency devices installed for a multi-site at various locations in 2026.
Projects for nature and to help communities supported:
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2025 support and additional actions by Water Plus have seen 780 square metres of UK peatland restored, preventing 12 tonnes of carbon emissions being released - and more than 360 new UK native trees in 2025, with 45 on, or near, healthcare sites, to help biodiversity and patient and staff wellbeing.
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Water Plus has also funded 35 Mini Meadows near UK coastlines in 2025 (equivalent to 350 square metres of seagrass meadows) and all the conservation activities including regeneration and seagrass seedling planting. These capture carbon and provide habitats.
The projects supported is part of additional actions Water Plus is taking, which is also called Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM), to help decarbonisation and the environment.
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