EPAL - Empresa Portugesa das Aguas Livres, S.A. is a Portuguese water utility company that was founded in 1868. The company is responsible for the management and distribution of water in the Lisbon metropolitan area, serving over 3 million people. EPAL's mission is to ensure the provision of high-quality water services to its customers while promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment.

In recent years, EPAL has been actively pursuing decarbonisation initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of renewable energy sources, and improve energy efficiency. EPAL's decarbonisation strategy is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Union's Green Deal.

One of the key elements of EPAL's decarbonisation strategy is the adoption of corporate energy management practices. The company has implemented a comprehensive energy management system that allows it to monitor and control its energy consumption and identify areas for improvement. EPAL has also invested in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and decrease its carbon emissions.

EPAL has also embraced the concept of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to support the development of renewable energy projects. A corporate PPA is a long-term contract between a company and a renewable energy developer, in which the company agrees to purchase a certain amount of electricity from the developer at a fixed price. EPAL has signed several corporate PPAs with renewable energy developers, which has allowed it to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix and support the growth of the renewable energy sector in Portugal.

EPAL's commitment to decarbonisation and renewable energy has been recognized by several international organizations. In 2020, EPAL was awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for Water certification, which recognizes organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and improving their environmental performance. EPAL was also ranked among the top 10% of water utilities worldwide in the 2020 Global Water Intelligence survey, which evaluates companies based on their environmental performance, innovation, and financial sustainability.

EPAL's decarbonisation strategy has also had a positive impact on its financial performance. By reducing its energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy sources, EPAL has been able to lower its energy costs and improve its operational efficiency. The company has also been able to generate revenue from its corporate PPAs, which has helped to diversify its income streams and reduce its reliance on water tariffs.

EPAL's commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation is not limited to its own operations. The company has also been actively promoting sustainable water management practices among its customers and stakeholders. EPAL has launched several initiatives to raise awareness about water conservation, reduce water waste, and promote the use of recycled water. The company has also been working with local communities to improve access to clean water and sanitation in developing countries.

In conclusion, EPAL - Empresa Portugesa das Aguas Livres, S.A. is a leading water utility company in Portugal that is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, increase the use of renewable energy sources, and promote sustainable water management practices. EPAL's adoption of corporate energy management practices, corporate PPAs, and renewable energy sources has not only helped to reduce its environmental impact but has also had a positive impact on its financial performance. EPAL's commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation is a testament to its leadership and vision for a more sustainable future.