Xylem appeals to water industry to participate in the “Race to Zero” emissions commitment

Xylem have made an appeal to leading figures and organisations in the water industry to participate in a global sustainability push to lower greenhouse gas emissions caused by water systems and management. This news follows September’s announcement that Xylem had formalised its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its value chain before 2050. The focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the water sector is rising, especially with COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, rapidly approaching in November. Water consumption and its management causes as much as 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, currently. Xylem is among a group of high-profile partners which includes the UNFCCC High Level Climate Action Champions, CDP, Water UK, the US Water Alliance, the International Water Association, GIZ among others wanting to assist water utilities join the battle to reduce GHG emissions.

“Water and climate crises go hand-in-hand,” stated Claudia Toussaint, Xylem’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are a sector of sustainability stewards, and approaches exist, today, to dramatically reduce emissions from water systems -- especially using highly efficient, advanced digital technologies. We hope every part of the sector joins us, so we’re all part of the solution.”

Water UK, recently published a sector-wide ‘route map’ to highlight how utilities across the country will achieve net zero on operational emissions by 2030. However, The Race to Zero is a worldwide campaign, under the auspices of the UNFCCC, with collaboration from businesses, cities, and regions fighting to halve global emissions by 2030 and promote sustainable growth.

The water sector’s Race to Zero is a global partnership intent on providing net zero water service for our planet’s homes and businesses. The Race to Zero is encourages and supports global water utilities and enterprises to commit to their own net-zero targets; these organisations will be highlighted at the Water & Climate Pavilion at Glasgow’s upcoming  COP26 meetings.