The Victorian water sector is taking world-leading action to reduce its emissions. The sector has set targets to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by:
- 42.4% by 2025
- 93.7% by 2030
- 100% (net-zero emissions) by 2035.
Along the way, the water sector will source all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.
Victoria will be the first water sector in Australia to reach net zero emissions. These targets add us to the world leaders in emission reduction like the United Kingdom’s water sector.
Victoria’s 18 water corporations have committed to these ambitious targets. Each water corporation faces different challenges and opportunities in reaching its targets. This means each water corporation has its own plan to reach net-zero by 2035 (or sooner).
Some water corporations will still release greenhouse gas emissions in 2035 and beyond. They will offset the impact of those emissions through activities such as planting trees so that their net emissions are zero (carbon neutral).
A net-zero emissions goal was first set for the water sector in Victoria’s water plan, Water for Victoria. The Statement of Obligations (Emissions Reduction) sets specific targets for emissions reduction.
Statement of Obligations (Emissions Reduction)
Victorian water corporations' emissions reduction targets for 2025, 2030 and 2035
The following table from the statement, shows the path to net zero by 2035 for each of Victoria’s water corporations.
Emissions from the water sector account for around 1% of Victoria’s emissions.
Action across the economy to reduce emissions is shaped by Victoria’s Climate Change Act 2017.
Find out more about how Victoria will cut emissions and how the water cycle is adapting to climate change.
Page last updated: 08/09/23