Environment Agency corporate scorecard 2025 to 2026 - quarter 4
Updated 9 July 2026
Applies to England
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The corporate scorecard 2025 to 2026 quarter 4 (Q4) starts 1 January 2026 and ends 31 March 2026. The year end is 31 March 2026.
1. Water company compliance inspections
| Q4 actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,784 | 10,000 | 10,000 | Green |
Commentary
This measure reports on the number of onsite inspections we have completed to assess compliance with water company wastewater discharge permits. Carrying out onsite inspections is an important business priority. It forms part of the wide range of activities we carry out to monitor water company performance and compliance.
Following a strong performance last year, we have continued to prioritise resources to achieve this year’s ambitious target of 10,000 onsite inspections. The emphasis on these inspections has resulted in 10,784 inspections against a target of 10,000.
We are continuing to ensure we have the skills and capacity needed to sustain high quality inspections as well as broadening our compliance assessment activities. This will help us to gain a holistic picture of compliance.
Water company inspections completed against target
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 1,932 | 686 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 3,246 | 1,828 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 4,626 | 4,000 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 2,395 | 2,000 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 5,228 | 4,500 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 7,906 | 7,000 |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 10,784 | 10,000 |
2. Sewage treatment works brought into compliance
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% | 90% | 90% | Amber |
Commentary
This measure reports on the number of water company waste water treatment works and water treatment works shown to have high risk non-compliances last year. It demonstrates that we are using our full range of regulatory powers to bring these sites into compliance. We are concentrating our regulatory effort on those sites that pose the highest risk to the environment. We are using our full range of interventions to achieve this outcome.
Last year, 111 sites were identified as high risk failing sites. We have seen an increase to 80% from last quarter (remaining at amber) in this measure. This now shows 89 sites out of the 111 are meeting this KPI. This means each of these sites has either:
- returned to compliance
- has submitted a compliance action plan (CAP) to the Environment Agency that clearly outlines the steps and timelines for achieving compliance
- we have started enforcement action alongside other regulatory work to bring the site back into compliance
We are achieving green in the majority of water company areas. Where the measure is rated red or amber for an individual water company, this reflects either:
- the need for the company to submit compliance action plans
- additional serious breaches during the reporting year
We continue to provide an evidence-based approach to addressing the root cause of non-compliance. We secure actions plans where appropriate to ensure sites are meeting this requirement.
Percentage of sewage treatment works brought back into compliance
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 93% | 90% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 96% | 90% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 76% | 90% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 80% | 90% |
3. Number of farm inspections
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,410 | 4,000 | 4,000 | Green |
Commentary
This measure tracks the number of inspections undertaken on non- permitted farms. The inspections assess compliance with relevant legislation, mainly concentrating on:
- slurry
- silage
- agricultural fuel oil storage
- farming rules for water
- nitrate vulnerable zone regulations
Using an advice led approach, our regulatory officers aim to bring farmers into compliance and improve water quality. We concentrate where our interventions can positively influence the environment most effectively, such as:
- the beef and dairy sectors
- protected sites
At the end of the 2025 to 2026 financial year we have completed 4,410 inspections, exceeding our 4,000 inspection target for this financial year. Approximately 10% of our inspections are carried out remotely using Earth Observation techniques. This creates efficiencies of scale and enables us to identify land management issues that are not readily apparent on the ground. Remote technologies also help us identify where to target in person inspections.
Agricultural premises were the source of 51 serious or significant pollution incidents during 2025 to 2026. Our inspections aim to reduce incidents with early interventions, focussing on diffuse water pollution and land management issues. The main reasons for non-compliance are:
- Improved slurry storage
- nutrient planning
- land management
Addressing these reduces diffuse pollution leading to long term reductions in:
- nitrate
- phosphate
- sediment
which contributes towards Environment Improvement Plan targets.
Number of farm inspections
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 1,028 | 977 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 2,302 | 1,984 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 3,394 | 3,103 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 4,540 | 4,000 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 951 | 968 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 2,037 | 1,963 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 3,042 | 2,977 |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 4,410 | 4,000 |
4. Bathing water monitoring
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 98% | 98% | Green |
Commentary
In 2025, we achieved a strong performance in collecting and analysing the bathing waters data. We sampled and analysed 449 of 451 designated bathing waters, 2 bathing waters were closed this year and therefore not included. The required statutory sample results were all published to SWIMFO. This is an Environment Agency online tool and allows you to look up details of a designated bathing water by name or location.
Percentage of bathing water quality monitoring samples collected and analysed
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 99% | 98% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 98% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 98% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 98% |
5. We stop high risk illegal waste sites
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 224 | 90 | 90 | Green |
Commentary
The Environment Agency works to protect the environment, people and the legitimate waste industry by enforcing against waste criminals and the deliberate damage they cause. The Environment Agency’s crime priorities include:
- the misdescription of waste
- responding to illegal dumping
- closing waste illegal sites
- preventing the illegal exports
- responding to producer responsibility fraud and organised crime
This metric helps measure the Environment Agency’s action to prevent and stop waste crime by targeting illegal waste sites that pose the greatest risk to:
- communities
- the environment
- businesses
In 2025 to 2026 the Environment Agency stopped 224 high risk illegal waste sites. This exceeds our annual target of 90 and reflects our determination to get a grip on waste crime.
We continue to use our powers and resources to prevent waste crime, improve detection and pursue the criminals responsible. Waste crime is underreported and we should remain cautious interpreting the data as the true scale of this activity is likely to be higher.
Number of high risk illegal waste sites stopped
| Quarter | Total | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 28 | 17 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 65 | 41 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 111 | 62 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 143 | 90 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 24 | 17 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 56 | 41 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 103 | 62 |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 224 | 90 |
6. Planning applications determined in 21 days
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98% | 95% | 95% | Green |
Commentary
This performance indicator measures our ability to provide timely responses to the planning application consultations we receive from local planning authorities. Specifically, it measures our ability to respond to planning application consultations within 21 days or as otherwise agreed with the local planning authority. An efficient planning system is vital to the government’s growth ambitions and reflects our dedication to support this.
Having an efficient planning system is an important part of the government’s ambition for increased growth and this performance indicator shows our commitment to support this.
We have met the commitment we made to government to achieve 95% by the end of quarter 2.
In quarter 4, we responded to 2,776 planning applications where the 21 days requirement applied. Of which 2,747 were replied to within the 21 days period, or as otherwise agreed with the local planning authority. Our target is for 95% of responses to be made within that timeframe and our performance in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 2026 was 99%. Overall performance for the year was 98%.
Percentage of planning application consultations
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 95% | 95% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 97% | 95% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 98% | 95% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 98% | 95% |
7. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 1 permits)
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95% | 95% | 95% | Green |
Commentary
We receive approximately 5,000 applications per year in this category. Performance improved 8% in year and 5% in the final quarter resulting in green performance at 95%. This was achieved by identifying anomalies in the category and making changes to processes and operations.
In 2026 to 2027, the aim will be on sustaining this green performance. Future enhancements will include the wider roll out of digital solutions and the removal of some activities from permitting requirements.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 90% | 95% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 90% | 95% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 90% | 95% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 95% | 95% |
8. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 2 permits)
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66% | 70% | 70% | Amber |
Commentary
We receive approximately 5000 applications per year in this category. Performance improved by 11% over the year and by 8% in the final quarter, resulting in an amber rating at 66%. Improvement interventions for this category are largely dependent on technical permit changes (regulatory reform) which has limited the extent of in-year progress.
In 2026 to 2027, the aim will be on delivering improvements through regulatory reforms, such as exemptions and expanded standard rules sets. These changes will enable activities to be completed within shorter target times and with fewer prescriptive checks, thereby increasing the pace of work.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 55% | 70% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 70% | 70% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 65% | 70% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 66% | 70% |
9. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 3 permits)
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69% | 70% | 70% | Amber |
Commentary
We receive approximately 5,000 applications per year in this category. Performance improved 27% in year and 19% in the final quarter resulting in amber performance at 69% (missing green by 1%).
This category benefited significantly from the backlog reduction project, which removed 1,000 of the oldest applications and reduced the effect of lengthy queues.
In 2026 to 2027, the category is expected to continue improving, alongside a reduction in volume as activities are reclassified into lower tiers through regulatory reform. Further gains will be driven by improved application quality, leading to fewer revisions and enhanced efficiency through better guidance and simplifying processes.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 56% | 70% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 55% | 70% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 50% | 70% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 69% | 70% |
10. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 4 permits)
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55% | 55% | 55% | Green |
Commentary
We receive approximately 5,000 applications per year in this category. Performance improved 10% in year and 8% in the final quarter resulting in green performance at 55%. This category benefitted from the backlog reduction project and is seeing the productivity benefits of increased investment in more experienced officers.
In 2026 to 2027, further gains are anticipated through higher quality applications and greater investment in customer engagement. This will include enhanced pre-application support, expanded use of the tracked service, and stronger planning and preparedness for large-scale projects.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 49% | 55% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 45% | 55% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 47% | 55% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 55% | 55% |
11. Number of properties better protected from flooding
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2024 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61,898 | 52,000 | 52,000 | Green |
Commentary
During quarter 4 of 2025 to 2026, 14,276 properties were better protected from flooding and coastal erosion by schemes including:
- Margate Harbour Arm refurbishment (Kent, South London and East Sussex area): 278 properties
- Fowlea Brook flood risk management scheme (West Midlands area): 333 properties
- Fulbeck pumping station refurbishment (Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire area): 200 properties
- Cockshaw Burn screen works (North East area): 140 properties
A total of 34,355 properties were better protected in 2025 to 2026. This brings the cumulative total since April 2021 to 150,170 properties, which exceeds the 5 year programme target of 140,272.
In 2024 to 2026 combined, 61,898 properties were better protected exceeding the target of 52,000 set by Defra Secretary of State.
Properties protected
2024 to 2026 programme cumulative target = 52,000
Number of properties protected
| Quarter | Total |
|---|---|
| Q1 2023 to 2024 | 61,228 |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 67,734 |
| Q3 2023 to 2024 | 71,563 |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 88,272 |
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 91,433 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 94,055 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 94,902 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 115,815 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 27,882 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 40,593 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 47,622 |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 61,898 |
12. Innovation actions delivered in flood and coastal resilience to adapt to a changing climate
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 80% | 80% | Green |
Commentary
This measure monitors the implementation of innovative adaptation and resilience actions through the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation programmes managed by the Environment Agency.
The figures are based on project performance as of quarter 3 2025 to 2026.
Assessments are based on detailed one to one project feedback and quarterly reporting from all projects.
In the previous quarter there were no projects ‘off-track’. At end of quarter 3 there is one project ‘off track’ - this is due to risk materialising and is expected to result in a project underspend this year. Following engagement and support from the Environment Agency programme team, the project team has developed a clear delivery plan. It is expected that all projects will remain on track for year end.
Percentage of actions completed or on track
| Quarter | % Actual | % Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 88% | 80% |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 91% | 80% |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 94% | 80% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 94% | 80% |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 80% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 97% | 80% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 80% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 80% |
13. We maintain our flood and coastal risk management assets at or above the target condition
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93% | 92% | 92% | Green |
Commentary
Environment Agency owned and maintained high consequence asset condition at the end of quarter 4 is 93.0%. This is demonstrating stability across the last 3 quarters, with the drier start during quarter 1, then wetter than average for the rest of the year. This period of stability is as a result of the flexibility adopted over the last 2 years, with additional funding allocated to address condition issues
The winter was wetter than average and January and February brought extensive flooding following named storms. In February, England recorded 170% of the average rainfall for the month. This is likely to result in an increase in the number of damaged assets and a drop in asset condition as inspections take place in quarter 1 of 2026 to 2027.
Percentage of our flood and coastal risk management assets at or above the target condition
| Quarter | % Actual (rounded) | % Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2023 to 2024 | 93.8% | 94.5% |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 93.5% | 94.5% |
| Q3 2023 to 2024 | 93.3% | 94.5% |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 92.6% | 94.5% |
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 92.2% | 94.5% |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 92.1% | 94.5% |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 92.2% | 94.5% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 92.8% | 94.5% |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 92.7% | 92% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 92.9% | 92% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 92.9% | 92% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 93% | 92% |
14. Resilience in our capacity to respond to incidents
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber | Green | Green | Amber |
Commentary
Our quarter 4 status is amber, reflecting a position that is stable, but under pressure. National incident cell resilience remains broadly steady, demonstrating that current mitigation measures are working. However, capacity constraints persist in important incident activated roles particularly during prolonged or concurrent incidents. As a result, there is greater reliance on a small group of experienced staff
Areas continue to activate and run incident cells safely, including during the elevated flooding activity in January and February. This has been enabled by:
- clearer rostering guidance
- earlier decisions to scale resources
- effective use of centralised mutual aid
- management intervention to address capability gaps
While initial activation is consistently achieved, sustaining operations beyond the early phase, especially past 72 hours, remains challenging in some locations and roles. To address this, significant national and local action is underway to strengthen resilience and reduce dependence on existing staff pools.
Current controls include incident alert dashboards to identify emerging gaps and strengthened rostering guidance for incident response shifts. National Operations managers now provide 24/7 coordination and stabilisation, and mutual aid squads support key senior roles when needed.
Flood warning automation has added further resilience, reducing demand on incident cell functions during flood events.
Additional improvements are being delivered through the Incident Management Transformation Programme (named IMx). These include:
- a new incident operating model
- introduction of national full time response and core/surge roles
- expansion of Environment Management Duty Officer capacity
- improved incident triage and prioritisation tools
Work is also underway to complete the required training and exercises for command and control roles, supported by stronger organisational commitments to release resources.
The KPI measures the health of the system as designed. When the system falls short of our standards, we implement mitigation in real time. This is not reflected in the current KPI and alongside the improvements above, the KPI will also be reviewed. Overall, quarter 4 performance reflects known pressures. These include:
- limited role availability
- competing business priorities
- reduced volunteer capacity during sustained response
The amber position reflects a managed system, with mitigations preventing deterioration while longer term change is delivered through IMx.
15. Minimised time lost to work related injuries
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.16 | <0.11 | <0.11 | Amber |
Commentary
The downward trend in the lost time incident (LTI) rate at year end is encouraging. This suggests that the:
- launch and embedding of the EA2030 ‘with care’ guiding principle
- HSW Strategy
- associated workstreams
are beginning to have a positive effect. Increased visible commitment to ‘working safely or not at all’ is also contributing to this improvement.
This positive trend is also supported by a noted reduction in total harm incidents and RIDDOR incidents.
While our long-term ambition for LTI remains challenging at 0.11, our objective for this year was to improve on last year’s rate of 0.17. It is also worth remembering this was set when the metric captured a narrower range of lost incident types. The current metric reflects a far more accurate position of lost time without a change to our ambition, making improvement more demanding year on year.
Of the LTI incidents reported, we have seen a reduction in the number that were serious enough to become RIDDOR reportable either over a 7 day absence or specified injuries.
The LTI causal categories were indicated as:
- musculoskeletal/manual handling (31%)
- slips, trips and falls (21%)
- vehicle, plant, equipment or machinery related incidents (10%)
Initial deeper analysis indicates that around 70 to 90% are linked to behavioural decisions, where unsafe choices were made rather than systemic failures or a lack of controls. This insight is significant, it reinforces the aims of the HSW strategy ambitions and the forthcoming behavioural safety programme. The programme aims to promote safe decision making, personal accountability, and intervention at the point of work.
Lost time incident frequency rate per 100,000 hours
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 0.17 | 0.11 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 0.16 | 0.11 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 0.17 | 0.11 |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 0.16 | 0.11 |
16. We have a diverse workforce
A) Percentage of our staff who are from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1% | 7.6% | 7.6% | Amber |
Commentary
As of 31 March 2026, 7.1% of our workforce (987 individuals) have declared that they are from an ethnic minority background. This represents a 0.6 percentage point increase compared to the same time last year. This is the highest percentage and number of ethnic minority staff recorded to date.
Changes to how we recruit and develop staff continue to support development. Alongside attracting new talent, we have concentrated on improving development and promotion opportunities to help retain a more diverse workforce.
Retention remains stable, with ethnic minority joiners continuing to exceed ethnic minority leavers. Over the second half of the year, 120 people from ethnic minority backgrounds joined the organisation, compared to 37 leavers. This has resulted in continued net growth in representation.
Looking ahead, this year we are introducing our refreshed EDI strategy as a significant enabler of EA2030. The strategy focuses on clear, evidence led actions to improve representation at all levels of the organisation, while supporting retention and development of colleagues across the Environment Agency. This will help ensure we have the right people with the right skills to meet organisational needs and to support the diverse communities we serve.
Black, Asian and minority ethnic background staff as % of all staff
2025 to 2026 target = 7.6%
| Quarter | Total |
|---|---|
| Q4 2022 to 2023 | 5.3 % |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 5.7% |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 6.1 % |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 6.4% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 6.5 % |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 6.8% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 7.1% |
B) Percentage of senior staff who are female
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46.8% | 50% | 50% | Amber |
Commentary
We have a target of 50% female representation at Executive Manager level. As of 31 March 2026, 46.81% of executive managers (66 individuals) are female, representing a 1.48 percentage point decrease compared to quarter 4 2024 to 2025. While the proportional representation rate has been marginally higher in some previous years, the current figure is the highest recorded number of female executive managers.
Due to the relatively small population size at this level, changes involving one or two individuals can have a noticeable effect on the overall percentage. This reinforces the importance of sustained progress and a strong pipeline, rather than relying on short-term movements to achieve consistency.
At grade 7, which provides an important pathway into executive manager roles, the trend remains positive. Female representation is 44.3% (309 individuals) this is a 2.5% increase since quarter 4 2024 to 2025 and the highest level recorded. Growth at this level supports more sustainable improvements in gender representation at senior levels. This progress reflects continued enhancements in recruitment and development, with a focus on fair and inclusive hiring practices and clearer routes into senior roles. It also supports a broader range of perspectives at leadership level and helps ensure our senior teams can understand and respond effectively to the needs of the diverse communities we serve.
Looking ahead, our emphasis will be on sustaining momentum through fair recruitment, development and progression opportunities, alongside improving how workforce data is collected and used. Together, these actions will support a capable, representative senior leadership population that reflects the communities we serve.
Percentage of senior staff who are female
2025 to 2026 target = 50%
| Quarter | Total |
|---|---|
| Q4 2022 to 2023 | 48% |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 47.2% |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 45.7% |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 46% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 48% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 46.1% |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 46.8% |
17. Net zero carbon by 2030
| Q4 Actual | Q4 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q4 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 245,223 | <198,916 | <198,916 | Red |
Commentary
By the end of quarter 4, our total carbon emissions were 123% of the annual budget, meaning overall performance is rated red. This was mainly driven by higher emissions in our wider supply chain and increased electricity use for pumping during a dry year. Despite this, we have made clear and important development in several significant areas.
Direct emissions (scope 1, e.g. burning fuel like gas or diesel) and electricity related emissions (scope 2) together fell by 1% compared to last year. This was largely due to continued reductions in fuel use across our vehicle fleet. Our vehicles are now 73% electric and we have ordered over 100 more electric vans. This will further improve this percentage, reducing our reliance on diesel and cutting emissions from everyday operations.
We met our annual target of less than 129,444 tCO2 for construction emissions. This is our single biggest source of emissions, sitting within our supply chain (scope 3). Total construction emissions fell from 161,569 tonnes to 124,118 tonnes. We reduced carbon intensity from 2.55 to 1.96 tonnes of CO₂e per £10,000 spent. This reflects better design, greater reuse of materials, and increased use of lower carbon products.
However, 2 factors pushed overall performance into red: supply chain emissions increased with spending, as delivering more for us increased our share of emissions. The most notable increases in supply chain spend (and therefore emissions) were suppliers of professional services, and products such as personal protective equipment. Electricity use for pumping rose by 22%, largely due to prolonged dry conditions, which required more intensive water pumping at key sites.
Looking ahead, our aim is to continue reducing emissions in construction and across the supply chain. We will work more closely with suppliers to improve how we buy and use goods and services. We must continue to decarbonise energy use at our sites (including offices, depots or operational assets such as pumping stations) to build resilience to more extreme weather.
Quarterly Carbon dioxide equivalents emissions
| Quarter | Total (tonnes) |
|---|---|
| Q1 2023 to 2024 | 100,031 |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 139,658 |
| Q3 2023 to 2024 | 171,387 |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 269,339 |
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 78,658 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 126,176 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 181,434 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 261,414 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 57,407 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 109,649 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 155,795 |
| Q4 2025 to 2026 | 245,223 |