BRYN MAWR, PA — Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) released its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting measurable gains toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, modernizing critical infrastructure, and investing in the communities it serves. The company’s latest data show continued momentum toward its long-term environmental and social goals while maintaining strong operational performance.
According to the report, Essential achieved a 25% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its 2019 baseline. The company also replaced 425 miles of natural gas and water pipelines, part of a broader modernization effort that has upgraded more than 2,000 miles of aging infrastructure since 2020. These upgrades have improved reliability, reduced methane emissions, and enhanced system safety.
Water quality performance remains well above national standards, with fewer than 1.5% of Essential’s 1,500-plus water systems experiencing health-based violations—compared to a nearly 12.5% national average. The company also recycled more than 720 million gallons of treated wastewater and procured nearly 100% renewable electricity for its operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois.
“Protecting and providing Earth’s most essential resources is our purpose, and responsible business practices are foundational to who we are as a company,” said Chris Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Essential Utilities. “Our sustainability commitments mean so much more than just checking a box—they’re integral to our future success. As we mark five years since bringing Aqua and Peoples together under Essential Utilities, our combined expertise and scale have enabled us to make a greater impact.”
In 2024, the company donated $4.6 million to more than 450 nonprofits through the Essential Foundation and logged nearly 4,500 employee volunteer hours. It also installed an additional 30,000 advanced gas meters, bringing its total to more than 60,000 units, improving operational safety and accuracy.
Looking ahead, Essential is advancing its hydrogen innovation partnership with Pittsburgh-based H Quest and the University of Pittsburgh to explore safe hydrogen transport through its natural gas delivery systems as part of its emissions reduction strategy.
Essential Utilities publishes its sustainability reports every two years, aligning with global reporting frameworks including SASB, TCFD, CDP, and the American Gas Association’s sustainability template. The full 2024 Sustainability Report is available at sustainability.essential.co.
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