What are effective water conservation practices for your company?

Water is a vital resource for life and business, but it is also under increasing pressure from population growth, climate change, and pollution. As a responsible company, you can adopt some effective water conservation practices to reduce your environmental impact, save costs, and enhance your reputation. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

1 Assess your water footprint

The first step to conserve water is to measure how much you use and where you use it. You can conduct a water audit to identify the sources, flows, and destinations of water in your operations, facilities, and supply chain. A water audit can help you spot leaks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. You can use tools such as the Water Footprint Network or the Water Risk Filter to calculate and evaluate your water footprint.

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2 Implement water-saving technologies

The second step to conserve water is to invest in water-saving technologies that can reduce your consumption and waste. For example, you can install low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads, rainwater harvesting systems, drip irrigation systems, and water-efficient appliances and equipment. You can also use smart meters, sensors, and software to monitor and control your water usage and detect anomalies.

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Abiola Biya

Social Impact | Sustainability | CSR | WEF Global Shaper
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Push-to-use/self-closing taps are a great way to reduce water waste and minimise risk of flooding due to accidentally leaving taps on.

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3 Adopt water-efficient practices

The third step to conserve water is to adopt water-efficient practices that can change your behavior and culture. For example, you can train your employees and suppliers to use water wisely and avoid unnecessary or excessive use. You can also implement water recycling and reuse programs, such as using greywater for landscaping or cooling, or using treated wastewater for industrial processes. You can also promote water conservation awareness and education among your stakeholders and customers.

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Abiola Biya

Social Impact | Sustainability | CSR | WEF Global Shaper
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Companies can leverage international/commemorative days like World Water Day to raise awareness and educate stakeholders and also encourage commitments to pledges by their stakeholders to adhere to water efficient practices.

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4 Engage with your community

The fourth step to conserve water is to engage with your community and collaborate with other actors to address water challenges and opportunities. For example, you can participate in local or regional water stewardship initiatives, such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship or the CEO Water Mandate, that aim to improve water governance, management, and security. You can also support or partner with NGOs, governments, or academia to implement water projects, such as restoring wetlands, improving sanitation, or providing access to safe drinking water.

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5 Report and communicate your progress

The fifth step to conserve water is to report and communicate your progress and achievements to your stakeholders and the public. You can use frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative or the CDP Water Security to disclose your water performance, risks, and opportunities. You can also use storytelling, case studies, or infographics to showcase your water conservation efforts and impacts. You can also solicit feedback and suggestions from your audience to improve your water strategy and practices.

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6 Review and improve your water strategy

The sixth and final step to conserve water is to review and improve your water strategy and practices on a regular basis. You can use indicators, benchmarks, or standards to measure and evaluate your water performance and impact. You can also use surveys, audits, or consultations to identify and address any gaps, challenges, or risks. You can also use innovation, research, or best practices to explore and adopt new ways to conserve water and create value for your business and society.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are effective water conservation practices for your company?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Assess your water footprint

2 Implement water-saving technologies

3 Adopt water-efficient practices

4 Engage with your community

5 Report and communicate your progress

6 Review and improve your water strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

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What are effective water conservation practices for your company?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your water footprint

2 Implement water-saving technologies

3 Adopt water-efficient practices

4 Engage with your community

5 Report and communicate your progress

6 Review and improve your water strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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