SCOTTISH Water has announced new low-emission supply chain partners as it looks to continue its drive to cut carbon in its capital investment programme and operational services.
ArcelorMittal Distribution Solutions UK and Hescott Engineering Company (part of the AIM Group) have been named as supply chain partners in a new structural steel and fabrication services framework put in place by the publicly-owned utility company.
The framework will initially run for four years, with an option for that to be extended for another four years, subject to price and performance reviews.
The move is the latest in a series of commitments by Scottish Water to reduce embodied carbon in its supply chain and follows its pledge to buy almost 20,000m³ of low carbon concrete over the next five years as part of an advance market commitment (AMC).
ArcelorMittal supplies steel produced using electric arc furnace (EAF) technology which produces around 70% less carbon emissions when compared to traditionally produced steel.
General manager of procurement at Scottish Water, Joe Rowan, said, “Steel plays a vital role in supporting Scottish Water’s capital investment portfolio but conventional steel manufacturing is extremely carbon intensive – transitioning to steel produced using electric arc furnace technology will significantly reduce our embodied carbon emissions and is a bold statement of our commitment to reach net zero by 2040.”
Senior procurement specialist at Scottish Water, Danny McIver, added, “The appointment of ArcelorMittal and Hescott Engineering as our supply chain partners for low carbon structural steel and fabrication services gives us confidence that the materials being used by ourselves and our delivery partners during all our construction activities are helping to reduce our carbon emissions.
“There is no cost premium associated with using these lower emission steel products, meaning the framework will continue to deliver best value for our customers, while supporting our net zero goals as we move into our next investment period.”
ArcelorMittal’s head of sales, Mike Astbury, commented, “We are proud to support Scottish Water on its journey toward net zero by supplying lower‑emission steel produced through electric arc furnace technology.
“This partnership demonstrates how smarter material choices can deliver meaningful, immediate carbon reductions without compromising performance or value. We remain committed to innovating with our customers and helping them build more sustainable, resilient infrastructure for the future.”
Blair McDonald, MD of AIM Group, said, “We are delighted to be working alongside Scottish Water at such a pivotal point in their net zero journey. Decarbonising infrastructure requires strong partnerships and forward-thinking approaches to materials and delivery.
“By combining lower-carbon steel with advanced automation, digital workflows, and investment in renewable energy, AIM Group is committed to creating resilient, sustainable assets for the future.”
