South West Water Sustainability Profile
South West Water, a prominent water and wastewater services provider in Great Britain, is headquartered in Exeter. Established in 1989, the company serves a diverse customer base across the South West region, including Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Dorset. As a key player in the water industry, South West Water is dedicated to delivering high-quality drinking water and effective wastewater management solutions. The company is recognised for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, implementing advanced technologies to enhance service delivery. Notable achievements include significant investments in infrastructure improvements and environmental initiatives aimed at protecting local ecosystems. With a strong market position, South West Water continues to prioritise customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship, making it a leader in the UK water sector.
DitchCarbon Score
How does South West Water's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Water Distribution industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
South West Water's score of 46 is higher than 69% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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South West Water's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, South West Water reported Scope 1 emissions of approximately 321,522,000 kg CO2e. The previous year, 2023, saw Scope 1 emissions at about 268,265,000 kg CO2e, indicating a rise in emissions. In 2022, the company recorded Scope 1 emissions of around 290,831,000 kg CO2e. The emissions data for 2021 included 3,278,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, 42,216,000 kg CO2e for Scope 2, and 7,334,000 kg CO2e for Scope 3, showcasing a comprehensive approach to emissions reporting. South West Water has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce operational emissions by 70% by 2025 for Scope 2 (market-based). This target is part of their broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for operational activities by 2030, as outlined in their "Promise to the Planet" initiative. Additionally, they are committed to reducing leakage by 50% by 2050 from a 2019/20 baseline. The company’s emissions data is cascaded from its parent organization, Pennon Group Plc, which oversees the broader climate initiatives and targets. South West Water's efforts align with industry standards and reflect a commitment to tackling climate change while enhancing resilience against its impacts.
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| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 3,278,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 42,216,000 | - | - | - |
| Scope 3 | 7,334,000 | - | - | - |
How Carbon Intensive is South West Water's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is South West Water's Location?
South West Water's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Their carbon footprint includes suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 14% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 852% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
South West Water's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
South West Water has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
