South East Water is set to become the first UK water company to create a 25 Year Plan for the environment.
Aligned with Defra’s 25 Year Plan, the water supplier is producing a roadmap to creating and maintaining environmental resilience in the short and long term.
Two stakeholder workshops were held in the second week of June with more than 30 individuals from organisations including NGOs, local authorities, universities, housing developers, industrial water users and large land owners.
The aim of the workshops, which saw attendees participate in two ‘sprint’ sessions, was to create a shared vision for the plan and agree on strategic priorities which must feature in the final strategy.
Similar workshops are due to take place with South East Water’s employees and customers over the coming months before the finished plan is published in November to coincide with the COP26 climate change conference. It will then be reviewed and updated every five years.
According to the water company, the new environmental roadmap will go above and beyond existing statutory plans such as the Water Industry National Environment Programme, Water Resources Management Plan and Drought Plan.
Emma Goddard, Head of Environment at South East Water, said:
“Water and the environment are intrinsically linked and we recognise that an important part of this is making sure we consider the environmental impact of our operations.
“But for us, it's about more than just continuing to supply water – we care deeply about the environment and want to protect and enhance it for future generations. We also want to go above and beyond to exceed our statutory obligations.
“Because we know that making lasting change to the environment takes time and that no single organisation can do this alone, we’re working with others to co-create this plan from the start.
“Our 25-Year Plan will be a long-term environmental strategy and provide a framework for the entire company, to protect and enhance the environmental resilience of our supply area, short and long-term.”
The water company’s commitment to protecting the environment is reflected in their Purpose, ‘Provide today’s public water service and create tomorrow's water supply solutions, fairly and responsibly, working with others to help society and the environment thrive.’
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