Icon Water marked last week’s World Environment Day by releasing its Climate Change Adaptation Plan to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Manager of Environment and Sustainability at Icon Water, Ben Bryant said that like many Australian water utilities, Icon Water was affected by all aspects of climate change.
“Our business relies on weather and the water cycle – and the impact of climate change can have varying effects on our operations and assets,” Mr Bryant said.
“So it’s important that while we work to reduce our carbon footprint, we also have plans in place to adapt to climate change so that we can continue to provide an essential service to our community,” he said.
“We’re seeing temperatures warming and changes to our rainfall patterns, as well as a rise in extreme fire weather and an extension of the fire season.”
Mr Bryant said Icon Water’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan built on its existing programs and was the culmination of research and consultation.
He said the Plan set out how Icon Water would continue to work to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency; reduce the stress on local catchments through collaboration with partners and the community on education and water conservation programs; work with the community and supply chain to help prepare for and adapt to impacts of climate change; and ensure infrastructure could withstand changing climate conditions.
Icon Water’s eight-page Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
