Net-zero strategy implementation best practices derived from a survey of water utility experiences

Water utilities are increasingly adopting net-zero strategies, but face challenges due to limited guidance, technical uncertainties, and resource constraints. To characterize current practice and barriers, a survey was conducted and completed by 28 water utilities across six countries. The survey explored key components of a net-zero strategy, including greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, measurement, mitigation, and adaptation and resilience. Survey results show utilities are expanding their understanding of GHG emission sources, particularly N2O and CH4 from wastewater treatment, which are often the largest contributors. However, many utilities have focused on reducing energy-related emissions, citing challenges in monitoring and mitigating lesser-understood emissions (i.e., N2O and CH4). The lack of a structured approach in pursuing emission reductions could result in slower progress and higher costs. Drawing from these findings, the authors developed a Water Utility Net-Zero Strategy Best Practice Framework as a step-by-step guide to help utilities develop and improve their net-zero strategies. The framework includes a Best Practice Checklist Tool to assess the maturity of utilities’ strategies. By consolidating real-world experiences, the framework is formulated as a systematic approach to inform more impactful and cost-effective GHG reductions by water utilities.