We were successfully audited during the year against ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems.

Our ISO 14001 certificate was awarded in 2008 and covers water supply, the treatment of wastewater and the management of waste. It covers our day-to-day operations and our capital investment programme.

The eight days of audit were part of our work to maintain the standard and certification to demonstrate out commitment to continually improving our environmental management.

Following the audits, we carried out work to improve the calibration of flow monitors and the inspection of asbestos on our sites.

During the year, we established compliance with ISO 14001 as one of our company Top Ten Targets, set by ourselves to help deliver the best service we can for our customers.

Our work around ISO 14001 was supported by initiatives to promote best practice, such as regular information updates for management, monthly environmental bulletins and reviews of our suppliers.