Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) has been named the world's ‘most ethical' water company for the twelfth time.
It is one of only two UK companies, and the only water and sewerage company in the world to be named in this year's World's Most Ethical Company® list.
NWG provides water and wastewater services to 2.7 million customers in the North East, and water services to 1.8 million customers in Essex and Suffolk.
The Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, evaluates companies based on their commitment to integrity, transparency, and corporate social responsibility. The annual list recognizes companies that have demonstrated exemplary behaviour and performance in areas such as environmental sustainability, governance, and social responsibility.
Inclusion on the list reflects key elements of NWG’s Purpose, caring for the essential needs of our communities and environment, now and for generations to come.
NWG has achieved this latest listing having demonstrated strong ethical performance, supporting its customers, communities, the environment and its people in the last year. The recognition also reflects the company’s strong policies and procedures, and commitment to ensuring its employees have the right mix of skills, experience, training and accreditation to deliver an assured service to its customers.
The company’s record of collaborative innovation to ensure the best service levels possible, and its commitment to the environment, with £310,550 of funding from its Branch Out fund and bluespaces scheme having supported environmental projects across the community, have also contributed to the accolade. Last year, the company was also able to record a significant milestone in its journey to Net Zero in 2027, having reduced its carbon emissions by more the 90% since establishing its benchmark in 2008. NWG is also working to eliminate water poverty within its operating areas by 2030.
Additionally, in 2022, 1,316 employees used work time to support almost 500 organisations, through the company's employee volunteering scheme, Just An Hour.
NWG is one of only nine energy and utilities companies across the world on the list.
Northumbrian Water Group′s Chief Executive Officer, Heidi Mottram, said: "We are extremely proud to have been named one of the world's most ethical companies by Ethisphere for the twelfth time.
"This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our employees who are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in everything we do, and of our competent operator systems that ensure the right people are in the right roles, to meet the needs of our customers. We remain committed to being a responsible organisation and contributing to the communities we serve."
Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne said: “Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance.
“We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Northumbrian Water Group for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community.”