Scottish Water Net Zero Programme: Peatland Restoration and Renewables Show Progress

Scottish Water's latest net zero update reports progress across peatland restoration, woodland creation, and renewable energy. During 2025/26 the utility restored 733 hectares of peatland and woodland at sites like Loch Katrine and Backwater Reservoir, with another 192 hectares of peatland planned at Backwater this year. The work helps hold water in the landscape, reduces dissolved carbon entering reservoirs, and cuts the energy needed for treatment. The company also avoided 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions through renewable projects and land management, and delivered 4.5 GWh of energy savings plus 3.88 GWh of renewable electricity. A 600-hectare native woodland project at Glenhead is due for planting next year. Scottish Water acknowledges future reductions will be harder, as they depend on cutting emissions from treatment chemicals, supply chains, and wastewater processes.