Speakers

Chris Matthews
Head of Environment and Sustainability
United Utilities

Chris became Head of Environment and Sustainability at United Utilities in May 2008 following a year spent as Carbon Manager, the first dedicated carbon manager in the UK water industry.

Chris' prime focus is to embed sustainable performance across UU, from supply chain and construction to bio diversity and waste management. He remains responsible for the delivery of UU's carbon strategy and plan, the first to publicly declare a short term reduction in carbon emissions.

Chris, a graduate of history and politics, joined the business in 1994 and has held a variety of roles including responsibility for the management of the water distribution network in East Cheshire and, as Business Design Manager, responsibility for designing and planning for a major business change programme. In his last role, he programme managed the preparations of the wastewater business for the forthcoming price review.

In his current role, Chris recognises the importance of engaging with employees to integrate sustainability into the way that United Utilities does business. He also believes that research and development, coupled with the need to think very differently, will enable a significant reduction in carbon emissions.