“It is time to turn political commitments into real action.[1]” These were Margot Wallström’s, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, closing remarks when she spoke during World Water Week last week. And with a future water crisis predicted by 900 experts, and a likely 55% increase in demand for water by 2050, it certainly is time to start making big changes to the way we use and consume water.

Action in practice…

In conjunction with the weeklong conference, beverage big names Coca-Cola Enterprises and PepsiCo both announced the early achievement of their ambitious water targets. For Coca-Cola Enterprises, this involved teaming up with NGOs and government aid agencies to put the same amount of water it uses each year in its beverages and production back into nature… they’ve successfully done this and also exceeded the target by 15% for 2015. And for PepsiCo, they have achieved a significant 26% reduction in operational water usage since 2006. Just two of the many water progress stories happening around the globe.

Feeling unsure about how your organization can get started on mitigating water impact? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…

1. Understand your impact. Monitoring both your direct corporate water consumption and the wider impact you have through your supply chain is crucial to being able to reduce it. We help companies to footprint their whole value chain to provide a solid foundation for action.
2. Identify hotspots. Getting a clear and detailed view of your water “hotspots” provides the evidence base to inform organizational strategy and set realistic targets for the future.
3. Implement the strategy and reduce your overall impact.

Looking to the future…

Water supply is at risk. For water-intensive industries like the food and drinks sector, apparel or agriculture, do you know the risks to your supply? Are you operating in already water-stressed areas where the situation could worsen? And what are you doing to prepare? Looking at availability, quality and ethical implications around water is key to having a long term license to operate.

If you’d like to discuss your organization’s focus on water, please get in touch with Principal Consultant Ellen.Upton@anthesisgroup.com or use our fill out form below. 

[1] http://www.government.se/speeches/2016/08/speech-at-stockholm-world-water-week/