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Public Profile
Water Distribution
GB
updated a month ago

United Utilities Sustainability Profile

Company website

United Utilities Group PLC, commonly known as United Utilities, is a leading water and wastewater services provider based in Great Britain. Headquartered in Warrington, the company primarily operates across the North West of England, serving millions of customers with essential water services. Founded in 1995, United Utilities has achieved significant milestones, including the successful integration of various water companies and a commitment to sustainability. The company offers a range of core services, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and environmental management, distinguished by its focus on innovation and customer service. United Utilities is recognised for its strong market position, consistently ranking among the top water companies in the UK, and has received accolades for its efforts in environmental stewardship and community engagement.

DitchCarbon Score

How does United Utilities'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.

64

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.

15

Industry Benchmark

United Utilities's score of 64 is higher than 81% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

81%

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United Utilities's reported carbon emissions

In 2025, United Utilities reported total carbon emissions of approximately 1,194,728,000 kg CO2e, with emissions distributed across various scopes: 15,922,000 kg CO2e (Scope 1), 47,200 kg CO2e (Scope 2), and a significant 1,199,728,000 kg CO2e (Scope 3). This reflects a commitment to transparency in their emissions reporting, which includes both direct and indirect emissions. United Utilities has set ambitious climate targets, committing to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by FY2030 from a FY2020 baseline. Furthermore, they aim for a substantial 90% reduction in these emissions by FY2050. For Scope 3 emissions, the company targets a 25% reduction by FY2030 and a 90% reduction by FY2050, also using FY2020 as the baseline. In addition to these targets, United Utilities has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by FY2050. This commitment is part of their broader strategy to enhance sustainability and reduce their environmental impact, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards. The company is also focused on increasing its sourcing of renewable electricity, aiming for 100% by 2023, up from 95% in 2020. They have set a goal for 66% of their suppliers, by emissions, to have science-based targets by 2025, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain.

Unlock detailed emissions data

Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents

202020212022202320242025
Scope 1
15,247,000
000,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
00,000,000
Scope 2
11,789,000
000,000,000
0,000,000
0,000
00,000
00,000
Scope 3
1,149,708,000
000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000
0,000,000,000

How Carbon Intensive is United Utilities's Industry?

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
Some industries are more carbon intensive than others. United Utilities's primary industry is Collected and purified water, distribution services of water (41), which is high in terms of carbon intensity compared to other industries.

How Carbon Intensive is United Utilities's Location?

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
The carbon intensity of the energy grid powering a company's primary operations has a strong influence on its overall carbon footprint. This request for United Utilities is in GB, which has a very low grid carbon intensity relative to other regions.

United Utilities'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.

United Utilities has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Race To Net Zero
Reduction Actions

Compare United Utilities's Emissions with Industry Peers

Scottish Water

GB
•
Collected and purified water, distribution services of water (41)
Updated 8 days ago

Xylem

US
•
Collected and purified water, distribution services of water (41)
Updated about 2 hours ago

Coca Cola

US
•
Beverages
Updated about 4 hours ago

Danone

FR
•
Dairy products
Updated 3 days ago

Dee Valley Group Limited

GB
•
Collected and purified water, distribution services of water (41)
Updated 24 days ago

Severn Trent PLC

GB
•
Collected and purified water, distribution services of water (41)
Updated 9 days ago

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