Public Profile

United Utilities

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.

84

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.

17

Industry Benchmark

United Utilities's score of 84 is higher than 99% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.

99%

Let us know if this data was useful to you

United Utilities's reported carbon emissions

In 2024, United Utilities reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 134,239,000 kg CO2e, which includes Scope 1 emissions of about 115,013,000 kg CO2e (mobile combustion and fugitive emissions) and Scope 2 emissions of approximately 32,900 kg CO2e from purchased electricity. The company also disclosed significant Scope 3 emissions, totalling around 419,372,000 kg CO2e, which encompasses various categories such as capital goods and purchased goods and services. United Utilities has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 42% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2020 baseline. This target is part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. Additionally, the company plans to increase its sourcing of renewable electricity from 95% in 2020 to 100% by 2023 and aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030. The company has already achieved a remarkable reduction of over 70% in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2010, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and climate action. United Utilities is also focused on ensuring that 66% of its suppliers in the capital goods category have science-based targets by 2025, further enhancing its sustainability efforts.

Unlock detailed emissions data

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

20202021202220232024
Scope 1
111,925,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
Scope 2
11,789,000
0,000,000
0,000,000
0,000
00,000
Scope 3
426,039,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000
000,000,000

Industry emissions intensity

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 medium in terms of carbon intensity compared to other industries.

Location emissions intensity

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 low grid carbon intensity relative to other regions.

Reduction initiatives & disclosure networks

Companies disclose and commit to reducing emissions to show they are serious about reducing emissions impact over time. They can also help a company track its progress over time.

United Utilities is participating in some of the initiatives that we track. This may change over time as the company engages with new initiatives or updates its commitments. DitchCarbon will update this information as it becomes available.

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

Similar Organizations

BT Group plc

GB
Post and telecommunication services (64)
Updated about 1 hour ago

Bristol Water Holdings UK Limited

GB
Collected and purified water, distribution services of water (41)
Updated 4 months ago

Dee Valley Group Limited

GB
Collected and purified water, distribution services of water (41)
Updated 4 months ago
DitchCarbon Score

East Surrey Holdings Limited

GB
Distribution services of gaseous fuels through mains
Updated 7 days ago

Colt Group S.A.

LU
Post and telecommunication services (64)
Updated about 1 hour ago

Where does DitchCarbon data come from?

Discover our data-driven methodology for measuring corporate climate action and benchmarking against industry peers