UK Water Sector Sustainability Indicators Launched
Water UK has launched the 2008-2009 Sustainability Indicators for the sector. The report, produced in conjunction with Entec, measures water companies' work for customers, society and the environment now and in the future.
Entec refined the guidance and support materials for the Water Companies, including the on-line data capture tool and user guide, and carried out the data checking and clarification process with water companies prior to the analysis. The role also included the generation of data analysis tables and production of the trend data, graphics and supporting confidence grade information for 2008/09 as well as support for the Sustainability Network associated with the overall data collection process.
The report shows there has been significant progress in areas that are high priority for customers but also contribute to long-term security of supply and service delivery:
Just as important for future reliability are improvements in meeting environmental obligations, especially protecting biodiversity and natural resources and recycling.
But there is still work to do. Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions are increasing and the industry's health and safety record needs to improve.
This is part of Water UK’s ongoing commitment to tracking the key sustainability issues for the industry and follows up on the similar report for last year and the groundbreaking ‘State of the Sector’ report in 2008.
Bruce Horton from Water UK commented: "Identifying and implementing actions to move towards sustainability is dependent on robust, credible and reliable data. The work that Entec has done with Water UK over the last few years has considerably enhanced industry and stakeholder confidence in our annual report. This in turn is fundamental to moving towards a more sustainable industry."
Susan Wakerley at Entec added: “This is the second year Entec has been directly involved with the collection and collation of data for the Sustainability Indicators report and follows on from Entec’s close involvement with the ‘State of the Sector’ report. The process has been streamlined and made easier for all to participate and it is pleasing to see that the end results continue to show progress in key areas.”
A copy of the sustainability indicators are available on Water UK’s website.
Click here for a link for sustainability indicators.
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