Water retailer backs global sustainability efforts

Water retailer backs global sustainability efforts

ONE of the UK’s leading water retailers has renewed its partnership with climate action specialists, Ecologi.

This year, Business Stream is backing two impactful environmental initiatives through the verified climate action provider, as part of its wider mission to make a positive difference to its customers, people, communities and the environment.

The Edinburgh-based retailer is contributing to two initiatives: a cleaner cookstove programme in Uganda and a large-scale peatland restoration project in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Business Stream’s investment is the financial equivalent of the water retailer’s carbon footprint for scope one, two and three emissions for 2024/25 (123.5 tonnes CO2e). The company has committed to continue funding high-quality climate projects while progressing towards its goal of becoming net zero by 2030.

Jo Dow, Chief Executive of Business Stream, said: “Since launching our vision six years ago, we’ve remained committed to taking meaningful action that delivers positive and lasting change. Our partnership with Ecologi allows us to support certified nature and community projects while we continue to roll out our carbon reduction programme.”

The Ugandan project supports the widespread distribution of fuel-efficient cookstoves to households across the country. Designed and manufactured locally, the stoves reduce charcoal consumption by up to 55%, cutting emissions, easing pressure on forest ecosystems, and improving indoor air quality. The project also lowers daily fuel costs and improves the lives of women and children who are disproportionately affected by traditional cooking methods.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian project works to restore degraded peatland – one of the world’s most carbon-dense ecosystems - through rewetting, revegetation and fire prevention. Verified under the VCS and CCB standards, the project enhances biodiversity, prevents future emissions and helps support sustainable livelihoods for nearby communities.

Sean Earp, Head of Strategic Climate Partnerships at Ecologi said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Business Stream, supporting high-integrity projects that deliver measurable climate, nature, and community impact. From restoring carbon-rich peatlands to distributing fuel-efficient cookstoves, these initiatives contribute directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals while building resilience for people and ecosystems. Business Stream’s leadership shows how companies can drive meaningful environmental action while continuing to reduce their own carbon footprint.”

Ecologi B Corp is the UK’s most trusted climate action platform. It inspires and empowers businesses to reduce their emissions, restore our planet and report on their progress towards net-zero.  They work with over 24,000 businesses and 300+ B Corps. This community, which Business Stream is a part of, has funded the planting of 90 million trees, the avoidance or removal of 3.4 million tonnes of CO2 and over 6 million m2 of habitat conserved and restored.

For further details on Business Stream’s carbon reporting, please see its full carbon management plan included in its 2025 Sustainability Report.