New data released today shows how global companies are taking action to stem the global water crisis and stand ready to reap major financial rewards as a result. The report, released by global non-profit CDP, shows how tackling water security offers companies unexplored commercial opportunities worth at least US$436 billion. In contrast, the financial impact of water risks, such as shortages or pollution, was US$392 billion.
The data is taken from CDP’s 2022 corporate water security survey, which saw 3,909 companies provide water data to investors and supply chain customers. Although this is the highest number of companies disclosing on water since 2009, many big hitters still refuse transparency efforts, including Apple, Shell and Tesla.
The evidence shows how the water crisis has become a serious issue in boardrooms across the world, with major brands, such as Ford, L’Oréal and Fujifilm, investing in new products to address the problem and seize market share in a world in which we will have to do more, with less.
Just over 1,500 companies disclosed a plethora of water-related opportunities in 2022, including accessing new water-related markets, water efficiency, new products and services, and ensuring supply chains are resilient against water impacts.
The actual size of the financial prize reported is likely to be a significant underestimate – as 60% of companies have yet to identify opportunities.
The report is being launched on the eve of the UN 2023 Water Conference, an historic summit to address water security in New York. Heads of state have not met to discuss the issue in almost 50 years.
Cate Lamb, CDP’s global director of water security, said: “There has never been a better time for Governments to step up and take the global water crisis seriously. As world leaders gather in New York to discuss this urgent issue, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to turn the tide. The private sector is playing its part, and if more corporate action is taken, there are huge benefits to be gained.
CDP data collected as part of the research details how the market is now moving to stem the water crisis. From Spanish bank BBVA’s creation of a US$2.4 billion water footprint loan to 1,094 companies linking CEO performance reviews with the achievement of corporate water goals.
Industry is not short on innovation and examples abound in the report of new products and services which seek to value water, including:
- Unilever’s ‘Sunlight’ washing-up liquid, which can be used without water and rinsing.
- Whirlpool is building low impact washing machines using 47% less water than machines 30 years ago.
- Fujifilm has started a water filtration business with the goal of contributing to the treatment of 35 million tons of water per year by 2030.
- Ford Motor Company is installing water-saving technology at its car plant in Mexico. The reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration processes are in response to growing water scarcity in the Cuautitlán region.
“To address challenges of the magnitude of water security, it is essential we trigger a transformation in the way markets function and companies grow, to harness their power and ingenuity,” added Cate Lamb. “Markets are the self-generating sources of financing and innovation that shape business models and transform economies, communities and environments. Properly harnessed, they can deliver our global water goals at scale and deliver the future that we all need,”
Carine Smith Ihenacho, Chief Governance and Compliance Officer, Norges Bank Investment Management, added: “CDP shows in this report the large financial opportunities that exist for companies that integrate water into their business strategies. We are encouraged to see that this is no longer just a question of risk, but of real value ready to be captured by companies in our portfolio.”