Transforming Canada’s water sector with the net zero water project

Water is a fundamental service that has often been overlooked in climate planning, but the global narrative is shifting as we recognize how deeply interconnected water and climate systems are. From wastewater management to the infrastructure that extracts, transports, and cleans drinking water, roughly 1.8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are estimated to come from this sector, equating to around 847 million tonnes of CO2e annually–that’s nearly equivalent to the global aviation industry. These emissions stem from the energy required to operate water systems and the methane and nitrous oxide released during wastewater conveyance, treatment, and discharge processes.

The Canadian government aims to fully decarbonize its electricity grids and has shared that a large portion are already more than 80% non-emitting. This means that in provinces like Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario, which already benefit from decarbonized electrical grids, GHG emissions stemming from the electricity demands of water and wastewater management are low. Here, focusing on reducing process and fugitive emissions from the wastewater sector becomes essential. Methane and nitrous oxide are potent greenhouse gases with much higher global warming potential than CO2, making their reduction critical for achieving meaningful climate targets.  

To tackle these pressing issues, the Canadian Water Network (CWN) has launched the "Charting the Course to Net Zero Water in Canada" project, also known as Net Zero Water. Supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada's Implementation Readiness Fund, this three-year initiative is the first of its kind in Canada, setting out to create a comprehensive Net Zero Water Roadmap. This roadmap aims to decarbonize municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater systems by fostering collaboration among utilities, private sector leaders, and clean technology innovators.

GHD is proud to contribute to this ambitious project, joining ten other industry leaders and a Municipal Consortium that collectively serves over 25 million people across Canada. With extensive experience in helping municipalities and utilities worldwide develop GHG inventories and net-zero roadmaps, GHD brings valuable expertise to the table. At the same time, this project is an opportunity for us to grow and innovate as we apply the lessons learned from this collaboration to our broader work with clients and partners in the water sector.

For this project, CWN will bring together two key groups: a National Advisory Committee (NAC) and a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), each playing a distinct but complementary role in achieving the project's goals. Our involvement with the TAC will focus on exploring emerging technologies and innovations, such as advanced sensors, devices, and software, which can accelerate the transition to net zero in the water sector. This emphasis on cutting-edge technology sets the initiative apart from other knowledge-sharing efforts, offering a forward-looking approach to tackling greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the TAC, we will collaborate with other members to identify, evaluate, and recommend the most promising solutions for decarbonizing water systems. Meanwhile, the NAC will gather insights from stakeholders across the sector and formalize these contributions into a comprehensive and actionable Net Zero Water Roadmap for Canada. Together, these committees are poised to drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable and resilient water future.

At the heart of the entire Net Zero Water initiative will be the creation of a pan-Canadian knowledge-sharing network designed to remove barriers to decarbonization for communities and organizations across the country. This network will facilitate peer-to-peer learning and establish Communities of Practice to share ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the water sector. Anyone is welcome to join these Communities of Practice and help grow the learning ecosystem.

A strong net-zero water strategy achieves far more than decarbonization. It builds healthier communities, drives economic growth, and strengthens societal resilience. This addresses the drivers of uncertainty, preparing society for a future shaped by social, political, and environmental changes. From ensuring access to clean water to safeguarding against extreme weather events, a robust net-zero water approach is foundational for any nation striving for long-term sustainability.

The Net Zero Water initiative marks a pivotal step in aligning Canada's water management practices with its climate goals. By leveraging collaboration, fostering innovation, and sharing knowledge, this project will set a benchmark for how nations can integrate water and climate strategies. We are excited to be part of this transformative journey and look forward to working alongside the Canadian Water Network and other partners to shape a sustainable and resilient water future for Canada.