Awards 2009 - company of the year logo

Company of the Year, Example of Excellence

United Utilities – a comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility

Company of the Year 2009

It’s fantastic to see one of our longest serving members achieve the highest accolade we can give them for their outstanding commitment to responsible business practise and the communities they serve.

Stephen HowardChief Executive, Business in the Community

United Utilities is the UK’s largest listed water company, owning, operating and maintaining utility assets including water, wastewater, electricity and gas. As Business in the Community’s company of the year in 2009, they actively demonstrate a comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility, with senior managers all playing a part in tackling issues of sustainability.

Process

United Utilities’ commitment to environmental leadership has been demonstrated through a pioneering project to turn biogas from sewage treatment into fuel for vehicles, as well as exporting it to the national gas grid in partnership with National Grid

Their Combined Heat and Power engines harvest methane gas from sewage sludge to provide heat for treatment processes and electricity to run sewage works, saving £6.7m with an additional income of £4.5m.

They have also managed to save their 400-strong supply chain £6m per annum by working with them to measure and reduce their own carbon footprint.

In the community, United Utilities’ partnership with Groundwork trust has seen its employees give more than 20,000 hours to volunteering projects; benefit over 18,000 pupils through climate change education programmes; raise more than £11 million for Water Aid and engage with vulnerable customers on debt issues.

United Utilities’ work on sustainability includes a pioneering £10m programme to improve the condition of the Peak District and Trough of Bowland water catchment estates, while their corporate governance and long-term planning model sets a culture of remuneration and reward that is sustainable and looks to the long term, rather than rewarding quick wins.

Their policy of significant investment in full time staff at their call centres in place of temps has seen their number increase from 40% - 80%, with a customer satisfaction rating of 80%.

Impact

  • Combined Heat and Power engines saved £6.7m with an additional income of £4.5m
  • Carbon footprint of 400 strong supply chain reduced with a saving of £6m
  • Over 18,000 pupils educated through climate change programmes
  • Over £11m raised for Water Aid
  • Full time staff increased from 40% - 80%, customer satisfaction rating of 80%

See also

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