Pennon has been named among the UK’s leading environmental performers after receiving top scores in the latest assessments by the global Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for both climate action and water stewardship.
The Group achieved an A rating for climate, securing a place on CDP’s A-List and positioning Pennon within the top 4% of companies globally for climate transparency and performance. It also received an A- score for water, reflecting leadership in water stewardship and protection of the natural environment.
CDP scores are based on detailed disclosures covering emissions reduction, risk management, governance, and environmental strategy. Pennon’s results indicate measurable progress in cutting carbon emissions, improving river and coastal water quality, and strengthening long-term environmental resilience across its operations.
Strengthening nature-related transparency
Building on this progress, Pennon has formally adopted the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), a global framework designed to help organisations assess, manage and report nature-related risks and opportunities.
While Pennon has voluntarily aligned with TNFD guidance for several years, full adoption signals a longer-term commitment to integrating nature-related considerations into financial and strategic decision-making.
The Group’s approach was recently acknowledged at a TNFD event in São Paulo, Brazil, ahead of COP30, where Pennon was recognised among more than 730 organisations worldwide committed to improving transparency around nature-related impacts and dependencies.
Environmental progress across the business
Recent environmental activity highlighted by the company includes:
- Plans to restore more than 300 hectares of peatland through the Upstream Thinking programme, supported by over 350 volunteer hours and more than 50 partnerships.
- The Upstream Thinking initiative marking 15 years of operation, now covering over 144,000 hectares across more than 2,000 farms, and receiving national recognition through the CIRIA Biodiversity Challenge Award (Water Management) and the Natural Capital Initiative of the Year award.
- A 45% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions since 2020/21.
- Completion of two new solar sites, contributing to an ambition to generate 50% of the Group’s electricity from its own renewable sources by 2030.
- £20 million investment in CREWW, supporting research into microplastics and wider environmental pollution.
- Ongoing removal of lead pipes as part of long-term plans to achieve a lead-free network by 2050.
Commenting on the recognition, Susan Davy, Chief Executive Officer of Pennon, said:
“This recognition matters because it reflects the hard work happening across our business every day from cutting carbon and investing in renewables, to restoring landscapes and improving water quality. Being named on CDP’s A-List and strengthening our commitment to nature transparency shows that our plans are delivering real progress, not just promises. We know there is more to do, and we’re determined to keep raising the bar, working with partners, communities and regulators to protect the environment now and for the long term.”
Pennon’s latest CDP scores and formal adoption of TNFD reinforce its stated focus on transparency, accountability and long-term environmental sustainability.
