We continued to strive to work more efficiently to reduce our energy consumption and mitigate our carbon emissions during 2010-11.

In response to increases in energy costs and awareness of climate change, we developed a trial to test energy monitoring equipment on our sites.

The equipment will help us to record more accurate data about our energy use and identify further savings. The trial is taking place at Weatherlees Hill Wastewater Treatment Works in Kent and, if successful, will be rolled out to 20 other sites.

We are also installing 2,000 smart meters at our smaller sites to provide more accurate information on energy use. The meters will help us to identify inefficient sites and opportunities to make energy and carbon savings.

Other initiatives we launched included improved equipment monitoring and greater control of aeration lanes, where wastewater is treated. This also helped us to carry out more timely maintenance, leading to less energy use.

During the winter, electricity costs soared during peak periods, known as Triads. We reduced our energy use during these times by asking our staff to turn off non-essential equipment.

We also started investigations into increasing the use of recycled water at our treatment works.