Water stewardship is about managing water resources sustainably and equitably for all stakeholders. This involves setting standards, measuring impact, and encouraging companies to adopt best practices for water use, aiming to create a positive impact on local communities and the environment.

Water stewardship is the management of water resources in a sustainable and equitable manner, considering the needs of all stakeholders involved. Lauren Enright from SCS Global Services explains that this concept has evolved over the past decade, expanding from traditional water management to include broader social and environmental impacts. To promote effective water stewardship, standards like SCS 116 have been developed, aiming to provide a structured approach for companies to measure, report, and improve their water use practices.

The conversation highlights the importance of setting quantifiable standards for water stewardship, similar to ESG standards, to ensure that companies can objectively measure their impact and make informed decisions. The challenge lies in determining whether these standards should be voluntary or mandatory, and how they can be effectively implemented and scrutinized.

Lauren emphasizes the role of accurate reporting and measurement in water stewardship, noting that companies must integrate water biodiversity into their corporate cultures to achieve meaningful progress. The development of tools and technologies, such as those by Microsoft and Fido AI for leak detection, plays a crucial role in improving water efficiency and reducing non-revenue water losses.

The discussion also touches on the growing investment in water-related initiatives, driven by regulatory requirements and the recognition of financial opportunities. Projections suggest a significant increase in investment in water stewardship, highlighting the need for companies to adopt best practices and make tangible impacts on local communities and ecosystems.

In addition to corporate efforts, educational outreach and public engagement are essential for fostering a broader understanding of water stewardship. Initiatives like Axiom Climate aim to educate and involve the public in addressing water and climate issues, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of developing and adopting water stewardship standards, leveraging technology and reporting tools, and engaging both corporate and public sectors to achieve sustainable water management practices.

Key Points

1. Water stewardship involves managing water sustainably and equitably.

2. Standards like SCS 116 help quantify and improve water use practices.

3. The challenge is balancing voluntary versus mandatory standards.

4. Accurate reporting and measurement are crucial for progress.

5. Companies must integrate water biodiversity into their cultures.

6. Innovative technologies aid in improving water efficiency.

7. Investment in water stewardship is projected to increase significantly.

8. Effective water stewardship requires both global and local actions.

9. Corporate leaders like Microsoft are setting examples in water management.

10. Educational outreach is vital for public understanding and involvement.

Full Episode: https://dww.show/how-to-end-bullshit-and-measure-your-water-stewardship-commitments-right/

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.