UKWIR seeks partners for carbon accounting workbook

Phil Black - PII Editor 04/04/2024

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UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) is seeking expressions of interest from new and diverse partners to develop a more user-friendly version of the carbonaccountingworkbook, which ensures the water sector has a robust framework for calculating emissions.

Each year, water companies in England and Wales must report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to Ofwat, the industry regulator. Companies across the UK also report on other aspects of their emissions to comply with other legalisation and regulations, such as Streamline Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR).

Working with experts across the water sector, UKWIR developed a standardised workbook for estimating operational GHG emissions – known as the CarbonAccountingWorkbook (CAW). First launched in 2007, it is updated annually to reflect the needs of the industry, and changes in carbonaccounting practices.

“We are excited to announce the next evolution of the carbonaccountingworkbook – a crucial tool for the UK water sector in managing its greenhouse gas footprint. We are seeking partners who can help enhance the CAW’s functionality and user experience and are keen to explore how developers can use their expertise to improve the reporting of GHG emissions,” said Mandy Fletton, project manager, UKWIR.

“This project will ensure the sector’s emission factors remain current and aligned with best practices, while enhancing transparency and user experience. This will empower water companies in making even better-informed decisions about their carbon reduction strategies, further solidifying the collective commitment to a sustainable future.”

The water industry is the first sector in the UK to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and using carbonaccounting means the water sector can stay legally compliant and resistant to risk. For the latest CAW, UKWIR is seeking partners to:

Deliver an updated workbook that covers all sector-specific emissions sources
Update the emission factors to reflect 2024 UK government conversion factor values
Facilitate a review to ensure core functionality of CAW version 18 is retained, including reporting
Liaise with the project steering group to confirm any additional significant amended functionality to meet the water sector needs including additional emission factors and estimating methodology
Incorporate outputs of other sector research activity, for instance outputs of recommendations to process emission methodology
Undertake thorough quality assurance testing of the tool, using existing recent company data
Facilitate water company user testing of the tool by providing workbooks already populated with companies’ most recent data
Provide comprehensive user guidance and a helpline for companies to use

This project aligns with UKWIR’s Big Question: How do we remove more carbon than we emit by 2050?

Earlier this year, UKWIR announced the direction of its research projects from now to 2050, the outcomes it is aiming for by 2030, and how the organisation aims to deliver this work. The research strategy reflects global trends and aligns with key initiatives like UK 2050 Water Innovation.

To submit an expression of interest, visit: https://ukwir.org/ukwir-projects-open-to-expressions-of-interest