​​ESD is committed to working with Scottish Water to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2040.

In the UK, construction currently contributes a significant proportion of carbon emissions to our overall carbon footprint. We, therefore, have a duty to address this and play our part in reducing global carbon emissions. ESD is determined to achieve a 25% reduction in embodied carbon in our capital projects by March 2024 and establish a clear route to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

We use Scottish Water’s Capital Carbon Accounting Tool (CCAT) to calculate the Carbon Intensity of our projects, ensuring they are in line with Scottish Water’s KPIs. We adopt the principles of proven methods (including the ENCORD protocol, CRP, Construction Industry KPIs, PAS2050, WRAP, ISO 14001 and UKWIR Guidelines) to enable measurement and benchmarking and to provide a robust, evidence-based approach to our operations.

​​​Innovation:
Using the latest low carbon advances in construction and design methods to ensure that a low carbon approach is “designed in” to all our activities from start to finish of every project.

Building our capability:
Introducing specialist staff to increase our understanding, oversee the implementation of low carbon, environmentally friendly operations and ensure ESD is at the leading edge of the drive towards zero emissions.

New thinking:
ESD is represented on the Net Zero Construction Panel which brings a variety of representatives across industry to share learning towards net zero and beyond. We also participate in existing SW initiatives including the use of low carbon concrete and employing the latest low emission site set-up standards.

Knowledge:
Drawing from the relevant experiences of our parent companies and our supply chain in order to develop our knowledge of low carbon initiatives and solutions. Training programmes give staff a greater awareness of carbon measurement tools and methods.

Integrated leadership:
Our carbon leadership team comprises senior members of staff from across the business - design, construction and procurement - who are dedicated champions of carbon reduction.