Water management is often seen as a "hidden sub-item" in the ESG universe. Some might even argue that it is an issue exclusive to environmental management. But if you think so, it's time to reconsider!
Water is much more than a natural resource - it's a valuable economic asset and an essential pillar of corporate sustainability. Since its creation in 2004, ESG has always adopted a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to its actions.
But back to the point.
Water has economic value, is a limited resource, and is vulnerable to degradation, which is why water management systems prioritize multiple uses and multidisciplinary conflict management, and their management is always attentive to long-term viability, including thinking about extreme events such as droughts, floods, leaks and point or chronic pollution.
It's no wonder that since 2015 we've had #ODS6 - Drinking Water and Sanitation and #ODS14 - Life in Water, focused on preserving water quality through water and wastewater management and emphasizing the maintenance of #biodiversity in water.
What is very interesting to note is that in Brazil we have many organized ways of doing this management on a public and private level and long-standing enforcement tools and guiding legislation.
Here are some legal requirements that can help those who are looking for Action Plans to address the material topic of ESG, water, and wastewater management.
National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency by Law 9984 of 2000
National Water Resources Policy, Law 9433 of 1997
CONAMA Resolution 357 of 2005, with the classification of bodies of water, their uses, and possible releases
River Basin Committees
But what about the relationship with the ESG Strategy?
When we talk about ESG, we need to talk about materiality. An issue is considered material when it causes or can cause some impact on #sustainability. In this sense, Water and Wastewater are considered material issues according to the #GRI Standards #GRI303, and should be considered when assessing materiality in an organization.
Within this theme, some items are considered #GRI requirements (i.e. they must be addressed)
The reporting organization must report on how it manages water and wastewater
Including how it collects, consumes, and disposes of water and the impacts it has caused or contributed to, directly related to its activities, products, or services.
What methodologies have been adopted to identify impacts?
How the organization works with its #stakeholders to manage water resources as a shared resource and how it engages with #suppliers or #customers with significant water-related impacts.
And which water-related goals and targets are part of the organization's approach to water and wastewater management and how they relate to #publicpolicy and #waterstress.
Did you know that this connection between water and ESG is so direct and crucial?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let's continue this conversation about how responsible water management can drive sustainable success for organizations!
#ESG #Water management #Sustainability #Corporate responsibility
Count me in, let's move forward!
Dr. Luciane Vieira
Director of Sustainability and ESG
Mentor professionals in career transition to Sustainability and ESG
To find out more about Sustainability and ESG: https://dralucianevieira.com.br/links/
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