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Water Management in Companies: Strategies for Responsible Use
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Water is a finite resource that is fundamental to various industries, agriculture, public health and natural ecosystems. Sustainable management aims to ensure that water is used efficiently, minimizing waste, pollution and negative impacts on the environment. It also promotes equity in access to water, which is essential for vulnerable communities and areas affected by water scarcity. By adopting sustainable practices, companies not only respond to environmental regulations, but also strengthen their operational resilience, reduce costs and reinforce their reputation as responsible agents towards their stakeholders and society.
In this article, we explore the best practices and technologies for optimizing water use, minimizing waste and ensuring responsible discharge.
The efficient management of water, both used and discharged, is a topic of growing importance in industry today. With increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact and comply with stricter regulations, companies need to adopt sustainable water management practices.
What are the main benefits?
Reduced operating costs
Efficient water management leads to significant reductions in operating costs. Less water consumption means less expenditure on purchasing and treating water. In addition, the reuse and recycling of water reduces wastewater disposal and treatment costs.
Regulatory Compliance
Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid fines and sanctions. Implementing sustainable water management practices helps ensure that the company complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Companies are increasingly held responsible for their environmental impact. Adopting sustainable practices demonstrates a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, improving the company's image and strengthening consumer confidence.
Collection and Supply
The first step in water management is capture and supply. This involves obtaining water from sources such as rivers, lakes, aquifers (geological formations that store groundwater) or municipal supply. The choice of source and collection methods can significantly influence the sustainability of water use.
Use
Water is used in various industrial processes, including cooling, cleaning, production, among others. The efficient use of water in these processes is crucial. Techniques such as measuring and monitoring water consumption, optimizing processes and implementing water conservation technologies can help reduce water consumption.
Wastewater Treatment
After use, the water must be treated to remove contaminants before it can be discharged or reused. Wastewater treatment can be carried out using a variety of methods, including physical, chemical and biological processes. The choice of treatment method depends on the type of contaminants present and the applicable environmental regulations.
Discharge
The discharge of treated water must be carried out in accordance with environmental standards. It is essential to monitor the quality of the discharged water to ensure that it complies with the required standards. Improper discharge contributes to environmental pollution and carries severe penalties.
Sustainable water management at company level involves the use of various advanced technologies to reduce water consumption, improve water efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Adopting these technologies can be a competitive differentiator for companies, especially in a market where sustainability is increasingly valued.
Some of the most relevant technologies used in this area are:
Water Recirculation and Recycling Systems
Water Recirculation Systems allow water to be reused in the production process itself, such as in cooling towers and washing systems. Recycling systems allow treated wastewater to be reused in industrial processes. These practices not only reduce drinking water consumption, but also reduce the volume of wastewater that needs to be treated and discharged.
Measurement and Monitoring
Accurate measurement and monitoring of water use is essential for the sustainable management of water resources in companies. These systems make it possible to identify areas of waste, optimize processes and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Here are some of the water measurement and monitoring systems:
The use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for continuous, real-time monitoring of water consumption, quality and levels allows for early detection of leaks, process optimization through data analysis and improved resource management.
The focus on software for integrated water resource management, data analysis and informed decision-making leverages progress in terms of water use efficiency, identifying areas for improvement and reducing waste.
Advanced Treatment Technologies
Advanced water treatment technologies, such as reverse osmosis (uses semi-permeable membranes to remove contaminants and produce pure water suitable for various industrial uses); advanced filtration (includes methods such as activated carbon filtration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, which allow for the effective removal of impurities, improving the quality of water for reuse); among others. These processes can remove contaminants efficiently, allowing water to be reused. These technologies are particularly useful in industries that generate wastewater with high levels of contaminants.
Effluent Management
Effluent management (i.e. waste from industries, sewers and rainwater networks that is discharged into the environment) involves the collection, treatment and safe disposal of wastewater. Effluent management systems can include decentralized treatment units, recycling systems and advanced treatment technologies to ensure that effluents comply with environmental standards.
- Regular Audits
Carrying out regular water audits helps to identify areas for improvement and to implement water efficiency measures. Audits can include analyzing water consumption, identifying sources of waste and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment systems.
- Conservation Programs
Developing and implementing water conservation programs is essential to reducing consumption. These programs can include the installation of water-saving devices, awareness campaigns for employees and the implementation of preventive maintenance practices to avoid leaks and waste.
- Reuse and recycling
Promoting the reuse and recycling of water in industrial processes significantly reduces fresh water consumption. Companies can implement treatment and recycling systems to reuse treated wastewater in processes such as cooling and cleaning.
- Training and Capacity Building
Training and empowering employees on the importance of sustainable water management is crucial. They should know about water conservation practices and be encouraged to contribute to the company's water efficiency.
Setting water targets in companies refers to the process of establishing clear and specific objectives related to water use and management within the organization. This process involves several steps and components aimed at ensuring the sustainable and efficient use of water resources.
Setting corporate water targets not only strengthens companies' resilience, but also contributes to the preservation of essential natural resources for everyone. However, setting targets that respond to local challenges has been a challenge, as the relevance of water varies according to corporate value chains.
Importance of Corporate Water Targets
Water is a vital resource, and companies that set water targets demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability. This not only strengthens the corporate image, but also promotes responsible practices that benefit the communities where they are present.
In the global context of climate change, understanding and managing water-related risks is crucial. Setting water targets not only helps mitigate these risks, but also opens doors to innovation and operational efficiency.
Complying with environmental regulations is essential to avoid penalties and improve competitiveness. Setting water targets prepares companies for future challenges and reinforces their commitment to sustainable practices.
Based on practitioner experience and stakeholder consultation, as well as existing guidance and resources on water management, the CEO WaterMandate1 - a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General and the UN Global Compact, implemented in partnership with the Pacific Institute - introduces a three-step process for companies to set corporate water targets that address the most relevant water-related risks at the most critical locations in the value chain. 2
By following these steps you can learn from best practices and your company will not only reduce risks and costs, but also stand out as a leader in sustainability.
Step 1: Water Materiality Assessment and Hierarchization in the Value Chain3
Recommended Action:
Start by mapping out how water affects your operations and identifying critical areas in the value chain that need special attention.
You can use the following table to do this, identifying the priorities:
Step 2: Risk Assessment and Location Hierarchy4
Recommended Action:
Analyze the risks associated with water in different locations, prioritizing those that are most relevant to your business and most exposed to water risks.
Step 3: Defining and Communicating Corporate Water Targets5
Recommended Action:
Set clear targets that drive local action with ambition commensurate with the company's impact on shared water challenges. Results-oriented targets allow companies to set objectives at both corporate and local level, providing a clear target for professionals across the value chain.
This three-step process not only helps companies to continuously improve their water management practices and mitigate risks, but also strengthens their social and legal license to operate locally. In addition, it aligns corporate actions with public policy priorities for water, contributing to achieving the goals of five water management outcomes identified by the Alliance for Water Stewardship and to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 6.
The steps outlined offer two specific ways for companies to set corporate water targets. Regardless of the path chosen, it is essential that companies always seek to link corporate water targets to specific local targets and action plans that respond to shared water challenges and stakeholder priorities, involve stakeholders in all stages of the target-setting process, view target-setting as an iterative process and use the best available information to guide target implementation.
Case 1: Nestlé
Reducing Water Consumption in Food Production Plants
Nestlé has implemented a global program to reduce water consumption in its food production factories around the world. Using advanced measurement and monitoring technologies, the company has installed smart meters and IoT sensors to monitor water use in real time. In addition, water reuse practices were adopted in cleaning and cooling processes. As a result, Nestlé has managed to reduce, on average, 35% of total water consumption in its manufacturing operations, contributing significantly to its global water sustainability and operational efficiency targets.
Case 2: Coca-Cola
Recycling Wastewater in Beverage Factories
Coca-Cola has implemented advanced wastewater treatment systems in several factories. Using technologies such as reverse osmosis and membrane filtration systems, the company has managed to recycle up to 70% of the water used in production processes. This recycled water is then reused in internal operations, such as cleaning equipment and irrigating green areas on the premises. This initiative has not only reduced the environmental impact of Coca-Cola's operations, but has also improved water efficiency and reduced the costs associated with wastewater treatment.
Case 3: Intel
Rainwater Management in Semiconductor Factories
Intel has developed an innovative rainwater management system at its semiconductor factories. This system captures and stores rainwater in dedicated reservoirs, where it is treated and reused for non-potable applications, such as cooling industrial equipment and irrigating landscaped areas. The implementation of this system has enabled Intel to significantly reduce its dependence on drinking water supplied by the public network, thus mitigating environmental impact and increasing operational resilience in the face of variations in water availability.
These case studies emphasize how leading companies in different sectors are adopting innovative practices and advanced technologies to promote sustainable water management. In doing so, they are not only improving operational efficiency and reducing costs, but also demonstrating a clear commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Sustainable water management is a critical component of industrial sustainability. Implementing efficient water use and treatment practices not only helps protect the environment, but also brings significant economic benefits. Companies must adopt a holistic approach, integrating advanced technologies, conservation programs and employee awareness to ensure efficient and sustainable water management.
Companies that recognize the importance of responsible water management and set clear and ambitious targets will be better placed to face future challenges and prosper. By adopting a proactive and strategic approach to setting water targets, your company will not only contribute to a more sustainable future, but will also strengthen its position in the global market.
Want to know more about how to implement sustainable water management in your company? Contact Nextbitt today and find out how our solutions can help you optimize the use of water resources, reduce costs and ensure environmental compliance.
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1 CEO Water Mandate is a commitment platform for companies to advance water management. Companies that subscribe to the CEO Water Mandate pledge to take action in six areas of water management and report annually on their progress. More than 240 companies from different sectors and regions subscribe to the CEO Water Mandate.
2 Reig, P., T. Shiao, K. Vigerstol, C. Copeland, A. Morgan, C.Strong, R. Hamilton, R. Dobson, and S. Walker. 2021. "Setting Enterprise WaterTargets: A Guide for Companies." UN Global Compact CEO Water Mandate, Pacific Institute, CDP, The Nature Conservancy, World Resources Institute, and WWF. www.ceowatermandate.org/enterprise-water-targets
3 Step 1: Materiality and the Water Value Chain - Defining Corporate Water Targets: A Guide for Companies (2021) (ceowatermandate.org)
4 Step 2: Water-related risks and locations - Defining corporate water targets: a guide for companies (2021) (ceowatermandate.org)
5 Step 3: Define and Publicize - Define Business Water Targets: A Guide for Business (2021) (ceowatermandate.org)
