Yarra Valley Water announces climate milestones as it zeros in on emissions

Yarra Valley Water has marked major milestones announcing that from 1 July 2025 it will use 100% renewable electricity to power its operations and is on track to report net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions this financial year. 

The announcement follows several years of targeted action to cut emissions across operations. 

This includes constructing a solar car park to provide 30% of the electricity needed for its head office, converting waste to energy to power its Wollert treatment plant and investing in high integrity Victorian-based carbon offset projects for residual emissions.

Managing Director Natalie Foeng said this milestone moment marks a turning point in how the organisation delivers essential services to more than 2 million people across Melbourne’s east and north.

“We’re proud to be delivering safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services with 100% renewable electricity from today,” Ms Foeng said.

“This is a major step forward in our journey to net zero. We set ourselves ambitious targets and I’m proud to say 30 June 2025 was the last time we’ll report operational emissions that exceed net zero.” 

The net zero target will be achieved four years ahead of the timeline set out in the Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction) for Victorian water corporations.

From 1 July 2025, the organisation has also committed to only purchasing fully electric passenger cars as it continues its transition to a zero emissions fleet.

“We’re rethinking the way we work, cutting emissions in everything from how we treat wastewater to how we get around,” Ms Foeng said.

“That means using less energy, switching to renewables, and making smart investments that benefit both the environment and communities here in Victoria.”

While the focus is on scope 1 and 2 emissions, the direct and energy-related emissions from operations, Yarra Valley Water is also tackling its scope 3 emissions. This includes emissions from its supply chain.

The organisation is targeting a 67% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 30 June 2030, based on its 2023-24 baseline.

“Tackling climate change is part of our long-term commitment to supporting a cleaner, greener and healthier Melbourne,” Ms Foeng said.

“This is about doing what’s right for the environment, for our customers, and for future generations.”

Fast facts

• From 1 July 2025, Yarra Valley Water’s electricity is 100% renewable, generated from solar and waste to energy at its own sites or purchased from renewable electricity suppliers.
• All passenger cars purchased from 1 July 2025 will be fully electric, switching from hybrid, petrol and diesel sedans and SUVs when they’re due for replacement.
• The water corporation will report net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions for the 2025-26 financial year in accordance with its Statement of Obligations (Emissions Reduction).
• It is on track to reduce scope 3 emissions by 67% by 2030, from its 2023-24 baseline.
• Yarra Valley Water was named as a Financial Times Asia-Pacific Climate Leader for the third year running in June 2025 for its action to avoid and reduce emissions. 

For more information about Yarra Valley Water’s action to tackle emissions visit: www.yvw.com.au/net-zero