Carbon Reduction Award
Recognising the companies that are leading the way on decarbonisation by reducing emissions across their own business and/or through particular projects. This award celebrates technical, operational and service innovation which can show a tangible impact and a clear and measurable plan for the future.
Carbon Reduction Award
Judges in this category noted a division of submissions into two types. In the first camp were projects focused on discretionary efforts by companies to cut their own carbon emissions, meaning they were much more limited in scope and impact but had more tangible and verifiable benefits.
GTC - The Community Heat Hub
The Community Heat Hub [CHH] delivers FHS, replacing gas on new build, low-rise, low-density developments. Large air source heat pumps and thermal stores are located in a central Hub. They generate hot water, which is distributed to homes through an insulated heat network. The thermal stores smooth out grid demand, avoiding peak times and high electricity costs. This reduces the site’s grid capacity and reduces heat charges for homes. Homes have hassle-free heat and hot water. GTC owns all the equipment and looks after all repair and replacement costs – all regulated by Ofgem.
OCU Group and Yorkshire Water - Carbon Reduction Using Horizontal Directional Drilling
OCU Group achieved an impressive 93% reduction (37,484kgCO2e )in carbon emissions on their Yorkshire Water programme by utilising Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) instead of traditional excavation methods.
This significant reduction was calculated through a thorough assessment of the carbon footprint of materials and waste. HDD minimised the need for extensive excavation, which greatly decreased carbon output, waste generation, and the impact on natural resources.
By preserving the surrounding environment and conserving valuable resources, OCU Group demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and innovative practices, setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in construction.
OVO Energy - Power Move
Power Move is a market-first solution that’s better for our customers, their wallet and the planet. We’re rewarding our customers for taking the first step on their Path to Zero - by using electricity outside of peak times.
Through quarterly challenges, we've continuously improved Power Move over the last 15 months to maximise customer engagement & ensure a high carbon impact.
What started as a trial in Winter 2022, has become a market leading service customers can utilise to reduce their carbon footprint and engage with Net-Zero, earning rewards whilst doing so.
PF Cusack and Thames Water - Road Furniture Recycling Scheme
Our Road Furniture Recycling Scheme was implemented to recycle end of life road furniture products, closing the loop on our products for reuse, and helping to reduce carbon emissions.
We have done this by starting to transition away from products made from single use plastics, thus allowing us to reduce our waste to landfill by recycling and reusing our road furniture.
Severn Trent Water - Net Zero Hub
Severn Trent's investment of £40 million in transforming the Strongford wastewater treatment plant into a Net Zero Hub (NZH), including £10 million from the Ofwat Innovation Fund, marks a significant step towards their goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
This initiative not only demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability but also sets a benchmark in environmental best practice.
The integration of advanced greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring and technological innovation at the NZH will influence the industry widely, promoting a shift towards more sustainable practices.
SSEN Transmission - World’s First SF6-free Transmission Voltage Circuit Breaker
SSEN Transmission has secured the world’s first SF6-free transmission voltage circuit breaker order for installation at a substation in northern Scotland in the summer of 2026. SF6, a powerful greenhouse gas, has been a mainstay in electrical switchgear for decades. Its high insulating and interrupting properties make it ideal for preventing electrical faults in medium and high-voltage electrical installations. But it is also a greenhouse gas 23,500 more powerful than CO2 and there are global efforts to phase out its use. SSEN Transmission is leading the way globally in reducing SF6 and adopting new ground-breaking SF6-free technologies.
WGMB and Scottish Water - Circular Economy MEICA Strategy for Utility Assets
Scottish Water has ambitious targets to achieve Beyond Net Zero Emissions by 2040. As an embedded and trusted delivery partner, WGMB (WGM/BGEN joint venture) continually support Scottish Water (SW) in reducing carbon, by identifying every opportunity to promote innovative, Circular Economy based solutions.
In this case, WGMB promoted a re-manufacture rather than replacement strategy at SW’s Shieldhall WwTW. Here, 6 No. Storm Screens were retained and improved, saving over 70% Carbon Emissions over replacement and contributing to more than 50% reduction in SW’s SR 21, baseline Carbon Intensity of Investment metric of 200-300 tCO2e/£m invested, in just 3 years