As a proud signatory of the Climate Leaders Coalition, Watercare is pleased with the group’s new Statement of Ambition that ups the ante for business action on climate change.
Watercare has been a signatory to the coalition since 2019 and takes the need for urgent climate change action seriously, says its chief executive Dr Jon Lamonte.
“The water and wastewater industry is responsible for a decent chunk of the world’s carbon emissions – from both the infrastructure we build and our daily operations,” he explains.
“At Watercare, we’re looking at ways to reduce both built carbon and our operational emissions, but with our population growing every day, it won’t be easy. This is something we need to face head-on and with relentless focus.”
Watercare sustainability head Chris Thurston says being a signatory shows a much greater commitment to take action on climate change than simply complying with regulations.
“This is voluntarily committing to providing leadership on climate change strategy and solutions to our industry. One of the ways we’re working to effectively measure our more complex emissions sources is by trialling a prototype portable greenhouse gas monitor for wastewater treatment plants,” Thurston adds.
“The experiment is the first of its kind in New Zealand. The monitor is being used to trap and measure nitrous oxide (N20) at our Rosedale Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“Unlike carbon dioxide, less is known about N2O and how to track it – especially as amounts can vary day to day and season to season.
Thurston says being able to measure the gas is the first step in working out how to reduce it.
The Rosedale Wastewater Treatment Plant is also the site of New Zealand’s first floating solar array, which covers one hectare and consists of more than 2700 solar panels and 4000 floating pontoons.
It floats on the treated wastewater pond next to Auckland’s northern motorway and generates enough electricity to power a quarter of the total energy needed at the treatment plant.
Thurston says plans are underway for electric trucks to be used on Watercare’s Central Interceptor project.
“We have three of the first road-worthy construction electric trucks on the way to New Zealand from China, which we expect to arrive later this year,” he adds.
“Not only will these trucks help us to reduce our emissions, but people will be able to see how they operate in a major project context and the benefits they provide, which can be shared across the construction industry.”