1. Purpose

This policy outlines our commitments and strategic approach to managing and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our operations, stakeholders, and customers.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to South East Water and its subsidiary, Iota Services Pty Ltd, and is to be observed by all directors, employees, agents, fixed term workers and other workers, ensuring a comprehensive commitment across our operations.

3. Policy Statement

South East Water acknowledges the pressing challenges posed by climate change to the environment, the community and our business operations. Further, we recognise that due to the nature of our operations, South East Water is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and thus to climate change, and we have a responsibility both to reduce and adapt to impacts. As part of our commitment to sustainable development and in compliance with the Victorian Water Act 1989 and our Statement of Obligations, we are dedicated to:

  • Emissions Reduction: we are committed to implementing strategies and technologies to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Our emissions reduction pledge aims to reduce our annual carbon emissions by 45% and source 100% renewable energy by 2025 (from baseline levels) and achieve net zero emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 2030 in alignment with our long-term sustainability objectives. Our reduction efforts involve both direct/self-generating activities and investing in carbon offsets.
  • Adaptation and Resilience: we are focused on enhancing our resilience to the impacts of climate change by developing and executing measures to adapt our planning, operations and infrastructure, as detailed in our Climate Adaptation Action Plan.
  • Impact Assessment: we assess how our operations impact climate change via quantifying our contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. We conduct a thorough analysis of potential climate change impacts on our operations, customers, and assets; this includes assessing future climate scenarios and projections across areas such as water and infrastructure resilience, and policy/legislative changes.
  • Risk Management:  we shall incorporate climate-related risks into our Environmental Management System in alignment with ISO 14001 and other management frameworks to strengthen the resilience of the organisation and address the external and internal issues that could impact our ability to achieve intended results.
  • Monitoring and Measuring: we continue to implement and maintain our robust monitoring systems that track our progress towards our strategic climate objectives. These systems help ensure we meet our goals and adhere to our adaptation plans.
  • Continuous Improvement: we regularly review and update our climate strategies and processes to incorporate the latest scientific research, innovation, and technological advancements, enabling the continuous enhancement of our performance and risk management in line with industry best practices.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: we foster active engagement with internal and external stakeholders and peers to share knowledge and ideas and align our climate change initiatives with broader community and industry goals and expectations.
  • Communication: we ensure transparent, clear and consistent communication with stakeholders and customers regarding our climate initiatives and progress.
  • Regulatory and Corporate Reporting: we provide detailed reporting of our emissions, climate actions and progress through:

- Annual regulatory emissions reporting

- Regular updates within our Environmental Management System

- Routine updates to our Executive and Board

- Publishing Annual Reports and updates on our website.

We will prepare for and meet any mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements.

4. Related Policies
5. Legislation and Related Documents
6. Accountability

The Managing Director is accountable to the Board of Directors for ensuring this policy is implemented.

7. Approval

Approved by:

SEW Executive

Approved on:

14 May 2025

Sponsor:

General Manager, Liveable Water Solutions

General Manager, Strategy & Stakeholder

General Manager, Service Delivery

Implementer:

Group Manager, Resilient Communities

Group Manager, Circular Economy

Group Manager, Sustainable Water Strategy

Group Manager, Treatment & Recovery Services

Review date:

14 May 2028