How remote telemetry systems and real-time data can bridge the global sustainability divide
Despite growing momentum behind sustainability, and increasing needs for security, infrastructure managers and grid operators still face significant barriers in implementing effective Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies. The ESG landscape is fragmented, with varying requirements across regions. European regulations tend to be stringent while the US approach remains more market-driven, making compliance a moving target for global companies. Here, Roy Gerding, Product Line Director (Water Monitoring and Control and Critical Infrastructure) at Ovarro, explains how its remote telemetry units (RTUs) and SCADA systems can bridge the sustainability gap between regions.
Sustainability is no longer a niche concern for utilities and infrastructure managers; it is an urgent global imperative. However, attitudes towards sustainability now differ between regions.
In Europe, ESG compliance is largely driven by strict regulatory mandates such as the European Union (EU’s) Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires companies to proactively implement environmental policies. The UK, while slightly more flexible, still places strong emphasis on ESG principles through a combination of regulation and market forces — the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) remains the most established and critical sustainability reporting requirement for UK businesses today.
In contrast, the US approach remains more market-dependent. While some industries are embracing sustainability as a competitive advantage, the lack of mandatory ESG reporting at a federal level means implementation often depends on investor pressure and business incentives rather than government mandates. This divergence creates challenges for global companies that must navigate varying expectations across markets.
As industries grapple with climate change, resource scarcity and increasing regulatory scrutiny, businesses are being pushed to prioritise ESG principles. Governments worldwide are tightening regulations, such as the CSRD in Europe and pending Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) climate disclosure rules in the US, compelling companies to provide transparent reporting on sustainability measures.
Although the earliest SEC disclosure rules would apply to 2025 data filed in 2026, companies should begin preparations now, as compliance may require system and process updates. However, meeting these expectations is no simple feat.
Many organisations struggle to gather, analyse and report accurate real-time data on energy usage, emissions and resource consumption. Ageing infrastructure and inefficient monitoring systems make it challenging to optimise water and energy usage, leading to wastage. Transitioning to sustainable solutions requires significant investment in technology, training and system upgrades.
In response to these challenges, forward-thinking companies are embracing digital transformation to streamline sustainability initiatives. Utilities and energy companies are leveraging IoT sensors and remote telemetry to track real-time water and energy consumption.
Advanced software solutions are being deployed to anticipate maintenance needs, minimise waste and enhance efficiency. Businesses are adopting automated reporting tools to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements without burdening internal teams. To tackle water scarcity, utilities are implementing smarter leak detection systems to minimise losses.
Sustainability through smart technology
Sustainability challenges require data-driven, intelligent solutions. Fortunately, advanced RTUs, SCADA systems and IoT solutions empower organisations to achieve their ESG goals by providing real-time data and compliance support.
Ovarro’s TBox LT2 range — one of several types or RTU it offers alongside Kingfisher, Seprol and Datawatt series units — enables automated data collection on water consumption, leak detection and emissions monitoring, simplifying compliance with CSRD and SEC disclosure rules. Smart sensors and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics reduce operational waste by enabling predictive maintenance and optimising infrastructure usage. Let’s look at some examples of how utilities companies have put these technologies into practice.
The UK’s Anglian Water has improved its wastewater management with data-driven analytics solutions. In 2022, Ovarro’s Pioneer and LeakNavigator systems helped Anglian Water detect 50 bursts on rising mains, each time preventing a pollution incident. More than 2,000 alerts have been generated by Ovarro’s predictive systems with an accuracy rate of around 70 per cent. These insights have also informed the rehabilitation of 42 rising main sewers, demonstrating the power of AI in environmental management.
Thames Water has also leveraged Ovarro’s LeakNavigator service to meet its ambitious leakage targets. Within just 20 weeks of implementation, 788 leaks were detected, saving 5.78 megalitres of water per day. The use of Enigma3hyQ acoustic loggers and cloud-based analytics has enabled Thames Water to prioritise repairs and minimise water loss.
Meanwhile, The Netherlands, which must comply with the CSRD regulations, is transitioning to renewable energy, particularly in horticulture. Juva, a Dutch grid operator, adopted Ovarro’s DSG system for flexible, real-time monitoring of low-voltage frequencies in solar and horticultural applications. With 80 per cent of Westland’s energy used in horticulture, smart grids and RTUs optimise energy efficiency and enhance security. By leveraging Ovarro’s technology, Juva improves monitoring, detects illegal energy use, and supports the Netherlands’ goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
As ESG regulations tighten and businesses face growing pressure to act, adopting digital technologies will be the key differentiator. Ovarro is committed to equipping industries with the tools they need to navigate this transition effectively. By leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics and automation, companies can not only achieve regulatory compliance but also drive long-term environmental and operational sustainability.
To learn more about how Ovarro’s remote telemetry systems can support sustainability initiatives, visit its website.
