Climate change mitigation
Many organisations, like us, understand that taking climate action is urgent. Find out how we’re doing to reduce our impact.
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Climate change mitigation refers to actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit future warming. For a water utility, mitigation means reducing emissions from electricity use, treatment processes, fuel consumption and infrastructure development – while continuing to deliver essential services.
What is climate change mitigation?
The Earth’s temperature is increasing due to rising concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere. Water and sewerage services generate these greenhouse gases, largely due to the energy used to pump water and through the release of greenhouse gases from wastewater treatment processes.
Mitigation focuses on:
- Reducing or avoiding emissions
- Improving energy efficiency
- Transitioning to renewable energy
- Enhancing carbon removal where possible
Our emissions reduction commitment
In 2018, we committed to reducing our emissions by 45% from our 2016 baseline by 2024–25.
We have delivered on this commitment and are now sourcing 100% of our electricity from renewable energy technology. This includes generating energy on our own sites using solar, hydroelectric and biogas generators and by purchasing solar and wind energy offsets.
Our next milestone is achieving net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.
This aligns with the Victorian Government’s Water for Victoria plan and the sector-wide net-zero commitment.
What does ‘net zero’ mean for South East Water?
For South East Water, net zero means:
- Minimising operational emissions
- Transitioning electricity supply to renewables
- Improving process efficiency
- Using high-integrity carbon credits only for residual emissions
What is South East Water doing?
Renewable energy
We procure renewable electricity through long-term power purchase agreements and generate energy on-site through solar, hydroelectric and biogas systems.
Biogas capture
Wastewater treatment produces biogas, which we capture and use in combined heat and power systems to generate electricity.
Energy efficiency
Upgrades to aeration systems and optimisation of energy-intensive assets reduce electricity demand across our network.
Carbon credits
Where emissions cannot yet be eliminated, we will procure Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) as part of our pathway to net zero.
Looking beyond 2030
Climate mitigation is an ongoing process.
As demand for water and sewerage services grows, we will continue to improve energy efficiency, expand renewable generation and refine emissions measurement to ensure emissions reductions are sustained over time.
Related information
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