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
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 Greenhouse Gas Annual Report
We are committed to reducing our energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and the environmental impact of our operations.
We have committed to meeting the following greenhouse gas emission reduction targets through the Victorian Government Statement of Obligations Emission Reduction:
2024/2025 Highlights
- East Gippsland Water powered by 100% renewable energy
- Met the 2024/25 state emissions reduction target
- 6% reduction in emissions from 2023/24
- First electrical vehicle purchased commencing EGW’s fleet transition
- Continued investigation into expansion of self-generated renewable energy
- Improved accuracy of wastewater emissions calculations
We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by improving the efficiency of our treatment facilities and pipe network, and by applying new technologies to decrease emissions at the source.
In 2024/25 financial year, we reported 6,387 t CO2-e (carbon dioxide equivalent) greenhouse gas emissions, 2% lower than our target of 6,469 t CO2-e and nearly 6% lower than the reported emissions in 2023/24.
This reporting period, our organisation was powered by 100% renewable electricity, through a combination of purchasing Green Power, surrendering 41 large generation certificates (LGC’s) and our own production of renewable energy.
Increasing our renewable energy consumption in the planning and designing of large-scale solar installation at our Wy Yung Clear Water Storage Facility, as well as exploring other sites for solar expansion or installation remains a core part of our zero emission transition plans.
In an effort to maintain our emissions reporting accuracy, this financial year we refined our methane calculations for water recycling plants. The revised calculations resulted in an increase in wastewater emissions of over 200% from previous years. Fortunately, this increase has been offset by the 100% reduction in our electricity emissions. This recalculation will assist us in planning facility upgrades and testing new treatment technologies.
Emissions from fuel, including our fleet, are a key concern post 2025. To start the process of reducing our fleet emissions, this reporting period we developed a fleet transition plan, purchased an electric vehicle and installed a 7kW charger. Upcoming plans to electrify the administration fleet are underway, in conjunction with researching alternatives for farm vehicles and diesel generators.
As part of our ongoing strategy to decrease wastewater and fuel emissions, we are collaborating with VicWater to explore carbon offset options throughout the state as well as researching opportunities to create our own carbon offsets. These ongoing initiatives will lay the foundation for continued reductions in CO2-equivalent emissions for the 2025/26 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 places increased 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.
