Thames named as environmental leader

Thames Water was recognised as an industry leader for its environmental, social and governance policies as well as being one of the top European companies in a new benchmarking report.

The report called Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark for Infrastructure report (GRESB), named Thames as first out of seven participating water and sewerage companies in the world, and sixth out of 236 companies in Europe.

The company retained a five-star status and was ranked overall 13th out of 393 world infrastructure firms in the GRESB survey, which provides a benchmark for property and infrastructure investments.

The report assesses firms based on standards for environmental, social and governance. It examines areas such as a company’s carbon footprint, and how well they treat and train employees.

Interim executive chairman Ian Marchant said: “As the results show, we remain determined to ensure our business activities are conducted in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible way, they are clearly communicated and well governed. Faced with the twin challenges of climate change and population growth, it’s now more important than ever that we stay focused and continue to invest in our network to keep delivering for our customers and the environment.”

For its environmental credentials the company generates a quarter of its own electricity from renewable sources and has committed to reduce pollution incidents by 30 per cent in PR19 as well as investing £1 million a day on leakage prevention.

The company’s GRESB score is tied to the interest rate it pays on a revolving credit facility. Should the business outperform its score, it will pay lower rate with the financial gains donated to Thames’ charitable fund.

The company has also received the Disability Confident Leader status from the government for its support for employees with disabilities and long-term health conditions.