SES Water Case Study

SES Water delivers 160 million litres of clean water daily to over 750,000 people across Surrey, Kent, and south London. With a supply area spanning 322 square miles, SES Water is committed to providing high-quality water while adhering to strict environmental and regulatory standards.

The challenge: regulatory compliance and greenhouse gas reporting

As a regulated company in the UK water sector, SES Water is required by its regulator, Ofwat, to report annually on its operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As part of the industry's move toward better transparency and sustainability, SES Water needed third-party verification to ensure the accuracy and credibility of its emissions data.

This verification is critical for SES Water to demonstrate compliance and manage its emissions effectively as part of its broader sustainability strategy, including achieving ambitious Net Zero targets.

Why SES Water chose NQA

SES Water chose NQA based on a combination of price, availability, and a strong working relationship. As a long-term client of NQA, having collaborated on various ISO verifications and certifications, SES Water knew they could rely on NQA’s comprehensive approach to verification and trusted expertise in ISO 14064-1 audits.

Approach: methodology and preparation

SES Water’s GHG emissions reporting is completed using the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) Carbon Accounting Workbook (CAW), developed to meet the requirements of ISO 14064-1. This well-established methodology ensured that SES Water was already familiar with the standards, minimising the complexity of the verification process.

Internally, SES Water's Sustainability team worked closely with various departments—gathering data from fleet managers, treatment works operatives, and facilities management. The compliance and assurance team, with its experience in previous ISO certifications, also played a vital role in preparing for the audit.

The verification process

NQA’s lead verifier for SES Water was Stephen Burt, supported by Ashley Hurst and Amber Dixon. Their collaborative and supportive approach helped SES Water navigate its first ISO 14064-1 audit smoothly. Stephen’s deep passion for GHG emissions sparked insightful conversations beyond the audit’s scope, highlighting potential areas for improvement and deeper engagement.

The audit involved three on-site days, with visits to SES Water’s head office in Redhill and two of its largest water treatment works. These site visits allowed the verification team to see data sources first-hand, further strengthening the integrity of the verification process.

Outcomes: improved data quality and business engagement

Achieving the ISO 14064-1 verification has not only fulfilled SES Water’s regulatory obligations but has also set the stage for the next steps in its GHG reporting journey. The audit process identified key areas for improvement in data collection and quality, which will be crucial for achieving SES Water’s long-term sustainability goals.

Moreover, the verification sparked a company-wide conversation about the importance of GHG reporting, driving greater engagement across all levels of the business. Employees are now more aware of how they can contribute to reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

Next steps: continuous improvement

Following the successful verification, SES Water plans to enhance its GHG reporting processes by moving to a monthly reporting schedule, allowing for more accurate and timely monitoring of emissions. Additionally, the company will work to implement the recommendations made in the Verification Opinion Statement, ensuring continuous improvement in data collection and sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

SES Water’s partnership with NQA has been instrumental in helping the company meet its regulatory requirements while setting a clear path toward more sustainable operations. The ISO 14064-1 verification marks a significant milestone in SES Water’s commitment to achieving its Net Zero targets and engaging its workforce in the pursuit of environmental excellence.

Final thoughts from NQA 

NQA congratulates SES Water on their successful ISO 14064-1 verification. Their commitment to transparency, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement sets a benchmark in the water industry and their experience demonstrates the value of third-party verification in strengthening GHG emissions reporting and driving meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.

NQA is proud to support SES Water on this journey and looks forward to their continued success in advancing environmental stewardship and achieving their Net Zero targets.


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