Essential Utilities Inc. Releases 2024 Sustainability Report, Demonstrating Significant Progress on Environmental and Social Commitments

The report highlights the company's ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, improve water quality, and invest in the communities it serves. Essential Utilities Inc. has achieved notable milestones in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, water quality, and infrastructure modernization. The company has also made significant strides in community investment and employee volunteerism.

Key Takeaways:

• Achieved more than 25% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 baseline, showcasing the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Delivered water quality well above national average, with fewer than 1.5% of Essential's 1,500+ water systems experiencing health-based violations, compared to a rate of nearly 12.5% for all water systems across America.
• Replaced 425 miles of aging natural gas and water pipelines, significantly reducing methane emissions, addressing water loss, and improving safety and reliability.
• Installed 30,000 state-of-the-art gas meters, enhancing safety for customers and employees, and bringing the total number of installed meters to over 60,000.
• Recycled over 720 million gallons of treated wastewater, giving water a second life and protecting freshwater sources.
• Donated $4.6 million to more than 450 nonprofits through the Essential Foundation, and logged nearly 4,500 employee volunteer hours, demonstrating the company's commitment to community investment.
• Procured nearly 100% renewable electricity for water and wastewater operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois.

Statistics:

• 25% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 baseline.
• 1.5% of Essential's 1,500+ water systems experiencing health-based violations.
• 12.5% rate of health-based violations for all water systems across America for comparison.
• 425 miles of aging natural gas and water pipelines replaced.
• 1,400 miles of natural gas lines and 725 miles of water lines upgraded since 2020.
• 30,000 state-of-the-art gas meters installed, bringing the total to over 60,000.
• 720 million gallons of treated wastewater recycled.
• $4.6 million donated to more than 450 nonprofits through the Essential Foundation.
• Nearly 4,500 employee volunteer hours logged.

Sources:

• Essential Utilities Inc. 2024 Sustainability Report
• NewsRx LLC
• News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Ecology, Environment & Conservation