How can the Water Industry's Supply Chain Join Forces to reach Net Zero?

Summary

The script addresses the urgent need for the water industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, highlighting that the sector's direct emissions exceed those of aviation and cars in the USA. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts across the water value chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting a 'Good Net Zero' approach that goes beyond offsetting emissions. The discussion covers the water industry's significant energy intensity, the concept of carbon handprint versus footprint, and practical steps like water and energy savings, process emissions reduction, and renewable power. It calls for leadership, management, and procurement changes to align with net-zero goals, encouraging industry stakeholders to take pledges and join the race to net zero.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The global water industry is tasked with reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a challenge that is more significant than that faced by aviation or the automotive sector.
• 💧 Water management processes, including supply, conveyance, treatment, and distribution, are energy-intensive and contribute up to 10% of the world's carbon emissions.
• 🔄 The concept of 'net zero' involves balancing emissions produced by an entity with the greenhouse gases it removes from the atmosphere.
• 🌱 Despite the water industry's significant carbon impact, there is a 'devil's circle' where carbon emissions lead to water scarcity, pushing the industry to use alternative water sources that increase carbon emissions.
• 🌿 The industry has an opportunity to invest in approaches that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the potential to start seeing benefits immediately.
• 📈 The 'carbon handprint' is introduced as a more meaningful metric for the water industry, representing the impact a product has on the carbon footprint of other steps in the value chain.
• 🔧 There are numerous low-hanging fruits in energy-related emissions reduction, with existing technologies capable of eliminating 50% of such emissions from the wastewater sector.
• 🌐 The water industry can leverage renewable power, biogas, and hydrogen to reduce its carbon footprint, turning wastewater into a valuable resource.
• 🛠️ Frameworks, standards, and toolboxes are essential for the water industry to methodically approach carbon reduction, with procurement and leadership playing crucial roles.
• 🏆 The UK is a leader in setting ambitious carbon goals for the water sector, but it is not alone, with utilities in various countries also committing to net-zero targets.

Q & A

What is net zero, and how is it achieved?

Net zero is achieved when the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted is equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere, creating a balance. It doesn't mean no emissions are produced; it means that emissions are offset by removal methods like carbon capture.

Why is the water industry significant in the context of carbon emissions?

The water industry is significant because its direct emissions are larger than those of the aviation sector and all the cars in the USA combined. Water management processes, such as supply, treatment, and wastewater handling, are energy-intensive, contributing up to 10% of global carbon emissions.

What are the three approaches to achieving net zero in the water sector?

The three approaches are: 1) Offsetting emissions by capturing carbon, though it's often unrealistic; 2) Relying on the energy sector to decarbonize and claim indirect benefits; and 3) Actively investing in technology and strategies to reduce emissions directly within the water sector.

What is the difference between carbon footprint and carbon handprint in the water industry?

A carbon footprint measures the total GHG emissions directly generated by a company's actions. A carbon handprint, however, measures the impact of a product on the carbon emissions of customers, reflecting how the product affects other steps in the supply chain.

Why should the water industry focus on carbon handprint in addition to footprint?

Focusing on carbon handprint helps the water industry understand its broader impact across the supply chain, particularly how its products affect energy consumption and emissions downstream, which is crucial for achieving net zero goals in a meaningful way.

What are some of the low-hanging fruits for reducing emissions in the water sector?

Low-hanging fruits include reducing Non-Revenue Water (water lost before reaching customers), optimizing network pumps, improving aeration processes in wastewater treatment plants, and capturing and utilizing methane from sludge digesters.

How does water scarcity create a feedback loop with carbon emissions?

Water scarcity caused by global warming leads to the need for energy-intensive processes like desalination, which in turn generate more carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change and creating a vicious cycle.

What are the potential roles of renewable power, biogas, and hydrogen in the water sector?

Renewable power, such as solar installations on water facilities, can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Biogas from sludge digesters is carbon-neutral and can be used for energy, while hydrogen production, especially turquoise hydrogen, offers a way to further reduce emissions.

What frameworks and tools can help the water industry achieve net zero?

Tools like the Asian Development Bank's Screening Tool for Energy Evaluation of Projects and integrating net zero criteria into procurement processes can guide the water industry in systematically reducing emissions and achieving net zero.

Why is leadership and management critical in the water sector's journey to net zero?

Leadership and management are essential to drive changes in procurement, innovation, and collaboration across the complex supply chain of the water industry. Strong signals from leaders can motivate stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices and invest in the right technologies.