Yarra Valley Water to report net zero operational emissions

Yarra Valley Water is reporting net zero operational emissions (Scope 1 and 2) for the 2025–26 financial year, marking a milestone in emissions reduction.

The position, reached four years ahead of obligations, will be confirmed through the organisation’s annual reporting process, including final data validation and carbon offset reconciliation.

Managing Director Natalie Foeng said the milestone reflects sustained, practical action taken over time to reduce and address emissions across Yarra Valley Water’s operations.

“We are reporting net zero operational emissions for 2025–26, showing what’s possible when you focus on real, practical action to tackle emissions,” Foeng said. “We’ve turned a clear commitment into action by improving how we operate, reducing energy use and transitioning to renewable electricity across our services.”

Yarra Valley Water set a target to report net zero operational emissions for 2025–26 in line with the Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction). The organisation will continue to reduce emissions further, including its broader Scope 3 emissions over time.

Since 1 July 2025, the organisation is using 100% renewable electricity across its operations, reducing its emissions footprint. This has been supported by ongoing improvements to efficiency and changes to how water and sewage services are delivered.

Residual emissions that are difficult to eliminate entirely are addressed through investment in Australian Government-accredited carbon offset projects.

“This is a significant milestone that shows how real-world changes can deliver meaningful reductions in emissions,” Foeng said. “We’ve focused on practical changes across our sites to avoid and reduce emissions, before using offsets for the small amount that remains.

“We’re continuing to take action, from transitioning to an electric vehicle fleet to producing renewable electricity through solar and food waste, and we’ll continue to be transparent about how we report emissions and how we achieve net zero.”

Image caption: Yarra Valley Water. Image: Supplied