Yarra Valley Water has announced it is now using 100% renewable electricity to power its operations and is on track to report net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions this financial year.
The announcement follows several years of targeted action to cut emissions across its operations, including the construction of a solar car park to provide 30% of the electricity needed for its head office, converting waste to energy to power its Wollert treatment plant, and investing in high-integrity carbon offset projects for residual emissions.
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Yarra Valley Water managing director Natalie Foeng said this milestone marked a turning point in how the organisation delivers essential services to more than 2 million people across Melbourne’s east and north.
“We’re proud to be delivering safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services with 100% renewable electricity from today,” Foeng said.
“This is a major step forward in our journey to net zero. We set ourselves ambitious targets and I’m proud to say 30 June 2025 was the last time we’ll report operational emissions that exceed net zero.”
The net zero target will be achieved four years ahead of the timeline set out in the Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction) for Victorian water corporations.
From 1 July 2025, the organisation has also committed to only purchasing fully electric passenger cars as it continues its transition to a zero emissions fleet.
“We’re rethinking the way we work, cutting emissions in everything from how we treat wastewater to how we get around,” Foeng said.
“That means using less energy, switching to renewables, and making smart investments that benefit both the environment and communities here in Victoria.”
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While the focus is on scope 1 and 2 emissions, the direct and energy-related emissions from operations, Yarra Valley Water is also tackling its scope 3 emissions. This includes emissions from its supply chain.
The organisation is targeting a 67% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 30 June 2030, based on its 2023-24 baseline.
