Climate Change.
Climate change is a reference to changes in the Earth’s climate identified since the beginning of the 1900’s.
Within the UK, the climate is forecast to change with increasing volatility in weather patterns, escalating the chances of flooding and extended dry spells.
Scientists believe one of the main causes of climate change are the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels in the production of energy.
Energy Management
The Water Company consumes approximately 120 gigwatts of electricity every year within its activities of providing clean water to customers, this equates to the same amount of electricity used by 36,000 households.
The company recognises the importance of managing energy and undertakes a number of initiatives in targeting and monitoring energy use:
Reducing consumption – monitoring energy use per quantity of water produced to identify opportunities and inefficiencies.
Procuring energy at the lowest cost – understanding the energy markets, employing best practice in purchasing energy and negotiating tariffs that meet the business need.
Energy Efficiency
Based on OFWAT figures SSW has consistently produced one of the lowest unit energy costs within the water industry achieved through the effective procurement of energy and the efficient use of energy.
In 2002 the Company was awarded ‘Energy Efficiency Accreditation’ certified through the Energy Institute and the Carbon Trust. Re-accreditation to the scheme was achieved in 2005, confirming high standards in the management and use of energy.
The company is also actively participating in the ‘Carbon Trust Carbon Management Programme’, designed to identify and implement opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through reducing energy usage.
One of the core activities of the Water Company is pumping water, this accounts for 92% of energy usage. To ensure the pumps operate efficiently a stringent programme of pump testing and refurbishment takes place. This close monitoring of performance results in pumps operating at their peak performance, optimising energy use within the Company.