Setting the scene
East Gippsland Water has long been committed to environmental sustainability. We are progressing a series of projects on a pathway to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 44 percent by 1 July 2025 – which would take our annual emissions down to a maximum of 4,650 tonnes of CO2-e equivalent (t CO2-e).
Even more significant, we have a commitment to achieve zero net emissions by 2035.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Net Energy Consumption | 2024
East Gippsland Water is continuing to actively reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of our operations. We have committed to meeting the following greenhouse gas emission reduction targets during the period 2023-2028.
tCO2-e = tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents
2024/25 Mid-year Greenhouse Gas Report
East Gippsland Water is continuing to actively reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of our operations. We have committed to meeting our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets during the period 2023-2028.
In the 2023/24 financial year, our annual greenhouse gas emissions decreased to 6,874 tonnes of carbon equivalent, reflecting an eight percent reduction from the previous year.
Key projects, such as the 99-kW solar array at our Paynesville Water Recycling Plant and the 80 kW Combined Heat and Power Biogas engine at our Bairnsdale Water Recycling Plant, significantly contributed to this reduction.
We are forecasting another decrease in carbon emissions for the 2024/25 financial year, as our operations are now powered by 100% renewable energy.
We are currently planning expansion of our renewable energy systems. This includes an investigation into a 300kW solar system at our Wy Yung Clear Water Storage Facility.
Currently, we are focused on reducing fuel-based emissions, which includes acquiring a new electric fleet vehicle. Plans are in place to further expand our electric fleet.
Additionally, we aim to reduce emissions from the treatment of recycled water as we design and implement upgrades to our treatment plants.
As part of our ongoing strategy to decrease emissions, we are collaborating with VicWater to explore carbon offset options throughout the state. These ongoing initiatives will lay the foundation for continued reductions in CO2-equivalent emissions for the 2024/25 financial year and beyond.
Operating efficiently
We continue to progress toward a more business-wide approach to emissions reduction through business efficiencies, including monitoring and analysing the performance of our systems and data analytics.
This includes embedding our net-zero priorities and climate change adaption into all our new and ongoing projects.
Our focus continues on ongoing major works aimed at reducing stormwater and groundwater infiltration in the sewer network.
This infiltration puts pressure on our pump stations and treatment plants, leading to increased electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Planning is underway to modify sewers in several sewerage systems to address this issue.
For information on our performance over the last financial year, see our report below:
Reporting back to you
Our business plan for 2023-28 (our Price Submission) takes into account feedback from customers across the region and there was clear support to focus on environmental sustainability.
Based on this feedback, East Gippsland Water’s Customer Advisory Committee has a commitment to provide six-monthly updates to you on our progress to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
