Andrew Gardner, general manager for Energy and Carbon, Severn Trent Water said: “Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard is good news, as it clearly shows that the effort we’ve put into managing our carbon footprint is paying off. We’ve put a lot of work into energy management, and one of our stated goals is to minimise our carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency and generating more renewable electricity. In 2008/09 alone, we generated 163 GWh (17.5%), of our total electricity consumption from renewable sources.”

Started in 2008, the Carbon Trust Standard has been achieved by around 150 companies and public sector organisations, including four water companies.

Andrew added: “Holding the Standard not only gives external recognition of our carbon management approach and achievements, but is also an important metric for the Carbon Reduction Committee (CRC).”

The CRC is the Government's carbon cap and trade scheme which comes into force in April 2010 and is part of its strategy is to reduce UK carbon emissions. Severn Trent will be one of 5,000 public and private sector organisations in the scheme which will have to buy allowances each year to cover their projected emissions.

"The CRC legislation means we will have to buy some £6m of allowances each year,” said Andrew. The CTS is a key metric in the first years of CRC and holding the Standard will increase the probability of receiving bonus repayments and assist in keeping our costs down.”

Severn Trent will need to reapply for the Carbon Trust Standard in two years time.