More and more businesses are increasing their awareness of water use by conducting audits to better understand their water use; more closely monitoring their water use and setting performance goals and reporting progress. This provides companies with a benchmark for self-assessment, as well as a transparent means of informing shareholders, consumers, and the public more broadly about their efforts to improve sustainability. The results are often impressive. VIEW>

Is water a strategic issue for my company? Asking senior managers to evaluate the company’s water-related impacts, risks, and opportunities will allow CEOs to determine whether the company should consider investing in a water sustainability initiative. A preliminary self-assessment can be organized around a few key questions.         

         First, what is our water “footprint”? In other words, how much water are we using and what impacts are we having on water resources?

         Second, what is the company’s exposure to water-related risks? For example, are the quality and available supply of water sufficient to meet our current and future business needs? Are there any threats to our current or future supply? Are costs of water and of compliance with water quality standards likely to increase over time? How do consumers, investors, the public and public officials perceive our use of and impacts on water resources?

         Third, what opportunities does water present for the company? In other words, how can we mitigate risks and add value through investment in water sustainability measures? How can we save money, reduce risks, and enhance our reputation with consumers and shareholders through changing our water-use practices, such as helping improve water quality or improving access to water resources for those who need it most.
        
         Fourth, how do our water-use practices fit with the company’s core values? Are our practices consistent with our values on environmental stewardship and social responsibility? Are we leaders or followers on water-related issues?

         And finally, in light of the answers to the first four questions, is there a case for investing in a sustainable water use initiative of some kind?

The purpose of the value chain assessment is to allow businesses to understand their full exposure to water-related risks. VIEW>

Outside of the United States, both developed countries and key emerging markets are expected to face severe water stress and water quality problems in the next two decades. Water scarcity and water quality issues therefore present a major potential constraint on economic growth and foreign direct investment in these countries. VIEW>

Businesses can make a major contribution to the resolution of water sustainability issues, both by addressing their own use of and impacts on water resources and by helping to improve water quality and availability for everyone. Here are some of the ways leading businesses are already making change happen today. VIEW>

Business can make a significant difference in achieving sustainable use of water resources while simultaneously adding business value. They can save money, reduce risks, and enhance their reputation with consumers and shareholders through changing water-use practices, or helping improve water quality or improved access to water resources for those who need it most. VIEW>