SWAN Launches CHART – Carbon Horizon Assessment & Readiness Tool
New utility-driven framework helps water and wastewater utilities benchmark carbon maturity, identify gaps, and accelerate net-zero planning
London, UK – The Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) has launched its Carbon Horizon Assessment & Readiness Tool (CHART), first unveiled at its 16th Annual Conference in Tampa on June 3, 2026. The tool is a first-of-its-kind, utility-driven framework designed to help water and wastewater utilities assess, benchmark, and accelerate their journey toward net zero.
Developed by the SWAN Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Community, the tool provides a structured approach for utilities to assess their carbon maturity across key operational and strategic dimensions. Built through global collaboration between utilities, engineering firms, and technology providers, the assessment is grounded in a Decarbonisation Assessment Matrix that reflects real-world challenges and priorities across the water sector.
The first live component, the Maturity Frameworks Assessment, is a short, interactive survey that can be completed in approximately 5–7 minutes. It enables utilities to benchmark their current maturity level, identify priority gaps, and gain actionable insights to inform decarbonisation strategies and investment decisions.
“The water sector is under increasing pressure to decarbonise while maintaining reliable and affordable services,” said Ashwin Dhanasekar, AI & Data Science Leader | Digital Solutions from Brown and Caldwell and Co-Chair of the SWAN Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Community. “CHART provides a practical starting point for utilities to understand where they stand and how to move forward with confidence, translating complex decarbonisation challenges into clear, actionable steps.”
The tool supports utilities in strengthening strategic planning, aligning decarbonisation efforts across organisations, and benchmarking progress against industry peers and leading practices. It is designed not only as a diagnostic, but as a foundation for ongoing improvement and future tool expansion.
“The strength of this tool lies in its grounding in real utility experience,” said Cyril Murtagh, Manager Energy and SCADA at Hunter Water and Co-Chair of the SWAN Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Community. “It enables utilities to take a structured, practical approach to decarbonisation, moving beyond ambition to measurable progress and informed decision-making.”
Future phases of the tool will expand its capabilities by integrating additional assessment components, including strategic business drivers, and enhancing scoring, insights, and usability into a unified platform.
As utilities worldwide face increasing pressure from climate change, regulatory requirements, and rising energy costs, CHART provides a timely and collaborative solution to support sector-wide progress toward net zero.
Utilities and industry stakeholders are invited to take the assessment and contribute to the continued development of the framework.
Access CHART HERE.
About SWAN
The Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) is the leading global hub for smart water innovation, dedicated to accelerating the adoption of data-driven technologies in water networks worldwide. By connecting utilities, technology providers, and industry leaders, SWAN advances the development of intelligent systems for more efficient and sustainable water management. Learn more: www.swan-forum.com