Staffordshire-based Water Plus has Net Zero targets approved by independent climate body

Water Plus, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, has become one of the first businesses in its sector to have its Net Zero targets independently validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The Science Based Targets initiative is widely recognised as the global benchmark for assessing whether business carbon reduction targets are aligned with climate science and the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The approval marks an important milestone for Water Plus, which moved to its new headquarters at Trentham Lakes in Stoke-on-Trent in 2025 following a multi-million-pound investment in Staffordshire.

The company, which provides water retail services to business and public sector organisations across England and Scotland, has committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040.

Jason Scagell, Chief Executive of Water Plus, said:

“This is a significant moment on our Net Zero journey and I’m proud that we are taking a leadership position in sustainability, as we encourage and help more organisations to reduce carbon emissions in the UK.

“We’re building more positive momentum, helping hundreds of business sites and more than 800 schools save more than 820,000 litres of water a day in 2026, which not only helps reduce carbon emissions in the UK, it can also help reduce pressure on water resources.”

The SBTi-approved targets commit Water Plus to reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 25.3% by 2030, using 2024/25 as a baseline year. The company has also committed to reducing emissions across its value chain by 90% by 2040.

Alongside reducing emissions from its own operations, Water Plus has been supporting customers to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency.

Water usage data from projects delivered in 2026 shows more than 821,000 litres of water a day being saved across sites, helping to reduce both water demand and associated carbon emissions. One Staffordshire site achieved an average 48% reduction in daily water use during 2025 following a water efficiency programme, with estimated annual savings of around £12,000 in wholesaler water costs.

The company’s carbon reduction activity has also included a 39% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions between 2024/25 and 2025/26, supported by improvements made following the move to its new Stoke-on-Trent headquarters, including increased use of energy-efficient LED lighting.

Water Plus said its Net Zero pathway also reflects the wider decarbonisation plans of water wholesalers, which form part of its supply chain, with targets of achieving Net Zero by 2030 in England and by 2040 in Scotland.

SBTi-validated targets for Water Plus

Water Plus has committed to:

• Reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 25.3% by the 2030 financial year, compared with a 2024/25 baseline.
• Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030.
• Reducing Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030.
• Reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% by the 2040 financial year.

Water Plus employs teams in Staffordshire and supports organisations across England and Scotland with water retail, water efficiency and sustainability services.