This article is the second in a series on incorporating water efficiency policies when updating or establishing corporate sustainability goals. Read parts one, three, four and five.

Working to incorporate water efficiency policies as part of your corporate sustainability plan is essential in today’s environment, especially as we are looking into a post-pandemic world where attention will once again be on climate action. If you are just beginning to develop a corporate sustainability plan or need to update your current one to include water efficiency policies, getting started means comparing water issues against company goals.

Are you looking for assistance brainstorming ideas about alternative water resources or interested in creating a water efficiency plan? Please call us at (415) 351-2227. We will be happy to help!

Before any action can be taken, you need to thoroughly examine how your business is currently running and how water is being used to maintain day-to-day operations.

To make implementing water efficiency policies that produce results attainable, consider the following:

1. Start by gathering data. Many companies will be surprised by how much water is being used to keep their business running – but that doesn’t been reductions can’t be made. This doesn’t mean looking at just the water usage in your facility, it also extends to where your products are coming from and how your facility is impacting the surrounding area you are located. The data will prove to be an invaluable tool when setting a baseline and creating a water efficiency plan. Your company will be able to take a comprehensive look at where change can be implemented and determine a clear path forward.
2. Determine what your company will report. Corporate sustainability programs are not only important for combating climate change, they are also increasingly necessary to attract investors, consumers and top talent. After taking a thorough dive into the numbers your data assessment has provided, establishing parameters for reporting is the next step for creating water efficiency policies and consistency is key. If what is being reported on changes year after year, it doesn’t indicate a true commitment to corporate sustainability. Be transparent about how your company has implemented water efficiency policies and how you are continually reducing usage.
3. Create meaningful goals. Water efficiency policies are not one size fits all. Based on the data you’ve collected, decide what your company can reasonably achieve while still making an impact. If you’re just starting out, simple infrastructure updates and updating facilities with water-efficient technologies like low-flow fixtures will prove successful. But corporations that are looking to expand their policies and have a greater effect will have to look outside their own usage and consider their supply chain.

With companies getting ready to open back up as COVID-19 cases continue to decline, now is the time to get a jump start on your water efficiency policies. Water is a fundamental resource in daily business operations, but there are ways you can reduce your usage and do your part to help prevent a global water crisis.

Check out the following resources for ideas on how to start establishing water efficiency policies at your company:

• EPA Lean & Water Toolkit
• S. Department of Energy Water Evaluation Tools
• Alliance for Water Efficiency Resources and Tools

Read part three

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