Learning how to win the Race to Zero
Getting utilities to net zero is a win win: reducing emissions, improving operations and lowering costs over time.
Wastewater treatment and discharge accounts directly for 12% of global methane emissions while drinking water and wastewater management are responsible for approximately 4% of global electricity consumption. According to Xylem: wastewater utilities could cut electricity-related GHG emissions in half using existing technologies. A goal they are well on their way to achieving.
Earlier this month, Xylem was awarded Net Zero Carbon Champion 2024 Global Water Awards. In its citation, the Global Water Awards noted that the immense progress Xylem has achieved, including reaching its 2025 goal of enabling its customers to cut their emissions by 2.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent two years ahead of schedule, “demonstrates just how ambitious the water sector can be” when it comes to decarbonization.
WINZ spoke to Austin Alexander, Xylem’s Vice President for Sustainability & Social Impact, about how Xylem has been able to achieve so much so quickly, and what others can do to get on track for net zero.
What sets Xylem apart in terms of working towards net zero emissions?
Several years ago, we did an assessment, along with many of our stakeholders, about what sustainability-related issues we, Xylem, are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful contribution. We realized that the emissions associated with the water sector are too significant to ignore. And as a leading provider of technology to the sector, it is squarely in our responsibility, but also opportunity, to support water operators in decarbonizing.
“We recognized that we must also lead by example, so we set Science Based Target and Net Zero commitments and are progressing against those.”
We then started to leverage our internal knowledge, but more importantly, that of our customers and partners to raise awareness of why decarbonization for the water sector is so important. This constant drumbeat on this topic has helped our sector recognize this issue and start to put meaningful consideration and resource towards solving it.
Which policies and/or innovations could shift net zero action, from being an effort amongst trailblazers, into the mainstream?
It always starts with commitment. Often, organizations are hesitant to commit to “net zero”, which is completely understandable – it can be a daunting commitment. However, what we have seen is that once a company or utility has set a long-term commitment, it’s easier to break the journey into steps and start to make meaningful progress.
Of course for us, we are also very much focused on the technology required to accelerate decarbonization across the water sector. There are two areas that we’re especially excited about. First, digital solutions that provide water operators better data and clarity into the impacts different pieces of they system are having on GHG emissions. Second, is around sensing technology that is rapidly advancing the way we can more accurately measure GHG emissions at various points of water management process. There is still a long way to go here, especially for wastewater process emissions, but we see the technology in this space advancing in the coming years.
What have you learned in your work to reduce emissions to date that can guide your and others work towards achieving net zero emissions?
First, identify all the areas where reducing GHG emissions is also going to provide other operational benefits. That could be reduced opex cost from purchasing less electricity, or creating more automated, digital systems that reduce the need for employees to physically travel to various parts of your operation. The areas where GHG reduction and operational efficiencies overlap are going to give you great first wins, and help you communicate the positive environmental impact alongside other benefits.
“The areas where GHG reduction and operational efficiencies overlap are going to give you great first wins, and help you communicate the positive environmental impact alongside other benefits. ”
Second, find those champions in your own organization, or are key stakeholders outside your organization. Educate them on why reducing GHG emissions is so critical and how they can help. As you build a network of champions, it will help you along as you approach larger challenges that will require investment and time to solve.
But most importantly, just start. Start asking questions to measure your current GHG footprint, identify simple areas to make improvements, and find a way your organization can commit to reducing emissions. Achieving net zero will only happen if we are all making progress together.
Austin Alexander
Austin Alexander is Vice President, Sustainability and Social Impact at Xylem. In this role, she is responsible for Xylem’s global sustainability programs, ESG reporting, social impact and client sustainability programs. This includes working towards Xylem Sustainability goals and commitments, which incorporate efforts to Build a Sustainable Company, Empower Communities and Serve Customers.
Austin joined Xylem in 2013 and has had several roles including customer service, engineering, sales and investor relations function. Throughout her tenure, she has been involved in volunteering and leading events through Xylem’s Watermark program.
Find out more about Xylem’s work on decarbonizing the water sector:
Xylem’s Race to Net Zero homepage >
Paper | Mapping the route to water utility decarbonization >
Infographic | Strategies for utilities to reduce emissions >
