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Southern Rural Water achieves net zero emissions for 2024/25, advancing sustainability and climate action goals

Southern Rural Water has reached net zero emissions for 2024/25 through efficiency, solar energy, zero-emission vehicles and offsets - a major milestone supporting Victoria's net zero water sector goal by 2035.

By news@gippsland - 30th June 2025 - Back to News

At Southern Rural Water, we're proud to have achieved net zero emissions for the 2024/25 financial year. A major milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. This outcome is the result of several years of strategic planning, investment, and practical on-the-ground work to reduce our emissions footprint.

Southern Rural Water successfully cut 1,559 tonnes CO2e to net zero through energy efficiency, solar, zero-emission vehicles and certified carbon offset

Net zero achieved

Net zero carbon emissions mean balancing the amount of greenhouse gases produced with those removed from the atmosphere. Starting from a baseline of 1,559 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, we brought our emissions down to zero.

This was made possible through a combination of initiatives including: improving energy efficiency, expanding our solar energy use, the roll out of zero-emissions vehicles, and offsetting any remaining emissions with certified carbon credits.

We partnered with Wannon Water to access Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). We've also been proud to partner with the Kiamal Solar Farm through the Zero Emissions Water initiative and to purchase accredited GreenPower, securing clean, renewable electricity for our operations.

Toward net zero

This year, we eliminated all our Scope 2 emissions (from electricity use) and made solid progress on reducing Scope 1 emissions (from transport), with electric vehicle charging now in place and more electric vehicles on the road.

We continue to report our emissions under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme, ensuring full transparency and accountability across both direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions.

Reaching net zero this year is a big step in our sustainability journey. While there is still more to do, we're proud to be playing our part and supporting Victoria's goal of net zero for the water sector by 2035 and statewide by 2045.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com