How can companies contribute to responsible water management? Six main points were raised and make up the Brazilian business commitment to water security, released this Monday, 19, by the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), during the panel of senior leaders, at 8th World Water Forum, in Brasília. At least 18 companies have already signed the document and committed to responsible water management, promoting water efficiency in industries and combating waste.
CEBDS President Marina Grossi highlighted the importance of the companies' commitment to water, signed by CEOs of large companies operating in the country.
“Given the scarcity we are seeing, it is necessary for not only industries to do their part, but also the government, promoting sanitation, and citizens themselves, who should be made aware of the importance of using this resource rationally,” stated Marina.
“The commitment is the first step towards creating a platform where companies will share their best practices and offer society transparency on the use of water in their activities,” he explained, adding that the platform will remain as a legacy of the World Water Forum and could serve as a basis for influencing other companies to also adopt measures inspired by the experiences reported.
The six commitments, based on the pillars of water availability, use and destination, include promoting engagement in the production chain; contributing with technologies, knowledge, processes and human resources; encouraging shared projects in favor of water; measuring and publicly communicating water management in the company; expanding the inclusion of the water issue in the business strategy; and mitigating water risks for the business.
Among the signatories of the letter of commitment, AEGEA, Ambev, Anglo American, braskem, BRK Environmental, Coke Brazil, CPFL Energia, CPFL Renováveis, ecolab, Eletrobras, Boticário Group, Lorentzen Group, Heineken, Natura, New Steel, Unilever, Vedacit It is Vestas.
O Chief Operating Office (COO) of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Peter White, who is participating in the Forum, reinforced the importance of water being included in companies’ decision-making. “No water, no life. No water, no business,” he summarized, calling on other companies to join the commitment.
Consumer protagonism was one of the topics addressed during the panel of senior leaders by AMBEV's head of sustainability, Tony Milikin.
“Water is at the top of the list. We are talking about consumption and it is the consumers who will make it happen by choosing sustainable products,” said Milikin.
The role of companies in water security was discussed by Henrique Braun, CEO from Coca-Cola Brazil, and by Orson Ledezma, CEO from Ecolab.
“Water is a topic that touches all of us, as companies, leaders and citizens. As leaders, we are always thinking about what steps to take and how to do it. At Coca-Cola, we combine efficiency, availability and access,” explained Braun.
“Industries must identify the risks associated with water use in their operations. The technology exists to both identify the risks and develop solutions,” added Ledezma.
The need to adopt long-term measures was the observation made by Braskem's global vinyl director, Ana Carolina Viana.
“The commitment to water is not just today. It has to be a long-term priority. Good management can be an opportunity for many companies in the long term,” believes Ana Carolina Viana.
The concern with basic sanitation, combined with the water issue, was addressed by CEO from BRK Ambiental, Teresa Vernaglia.
“One in every two Brazilians does not have access to basic sanitation. It makes no sense to talk about water without talking about sanitation. We live in the 21st century, with 19th century problems,” he concluded.
[slideshow_deploy id='9277′]
