Yarra Valley Water reaches net zero four years early

Managing Director Natalie Foeng attributed the outcome to sustained operational changes rather than a single measure, citing improvements in efficiency, reduced energy use and a shift to renewable electricity across the organisation's services.

Since 1 July 2025, Yarra Valley Water has sourced 100 per cent renewable electricity for its operations, a change the organisation says has substantially cut its emissions footprint. This has been paired with ongoing efficiency improvements and adjustments to how water and sewage services are delivered.

The result will be formally confirmed through the organisation's annual reporting process, which includes final data validation and carbon offset reconciliation

For emissions that are harder to eliminate, the organisation has turned to investment in carbon offset projects accredited by the Australian Government.

"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."

She said the approach prioritised direct reductions over offsetting. "We've focused on practical changes across our sites to avoid and reduce emissions, before using offsets for the small amount that remains."

Yarra Valley Water said further emissions reductions are planned, including work on its broader Scope 3 emissions over time. Ongoing initiatives include transitioning to an electric vehicle fleet and generating renewable electricity from solar power and food waste. The organisation said it intends to remain transparent about its emissions reporting methods going forward.