How to meet evolving regulations around climate change and water conservation without sacrificing profit

• Governments are creating incentives to help businesses reduce carbon emissions.
• Minimizing water use can help organizations comply with government regulations without sacrificing profit. 
• Data-first solutions can help companies conserve water while informing future business decisions. 

For today's business leaders, environmental sustainability is at once a pressing concern and a leading priority. As climate change intensifies, governments around the world are increasing pressure on corporations to act by implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rules.

In 2022, the US Securities and Exchange Commission proposed new regulations that would increase transparency around corporations' efforts to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change. At the same time, the US government's new Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives to help companies reduce their environmental footprint. And in Europe, the Green Deal is driving similar measures to ensure corporations prioritize greener business practices. 

As governments take steps to achieve a more sustainable future, the need for brands to do things differently has become increasingly clear: The industrial processes used to create consumer goods and raw materials account for about 25% of the carbon footprint of the US. But when businesses take action to address sustainability and adhere to increasingly rigorous government regulations, many fail to consider a key component of the equation: water use. Moving, cooling, heating, and treating water are all necessary to keep most businesses going, but these processes require a tremendous amount of energy.

Understanding the ties between water use and climate change is an important step for businesses as they look to meet evolving government regulations.

Achieving sustainability and business results  

According to research from Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services, equipping businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to more efficiently manage their water use could lead to widespread environmental gains. 

"Those leading the way already know that you can prioritize sustainability while improving the bottom line."

But saving water isn't just good for the environment— it's good for business, too. There's vast potential for companies to meet ambitious climate goals without compromising business growth and profitability — as long as they forge the right partnerships and take time to educate their workforce. By implementing water-saving solutions, businesses can actually lower their operating costs. They also may be able to take advantage of incentives, such as tax credits, grants, or rebates. 

"Those leading the way already know that you can prioritize sustainability while improving the bottom line," said Christophe Beck, Chairman and CEO of Ecolab.

A solution to help organizations successfully drive climate action 

In a business environment where environmental sustainability can no longer be ignored, Beck and his team have introduced Ecolab Water for Climate™, a new program that aims to help businesses reduce their water and energy use while also prioritizing and propelling sustainable business growth. 

Calvin Emanuel, vice president and general manager for Sustainable Growth Solutions at Ecolab, said a program like this can have a lasting, real-world impact. 

"One of our customers in Spain is located in an area where water is scarce, so the government asked them to reduce their water consumption by 20% by the end of 2023," he explained. "This is a great example of how Ecolab Water for Climate is helping organizations meet evolving regulations."

With the aim of supporting business strategies that help reduce water and energy use across the entirety of an enterprise, Ecolab Water for Climate starts by assessing and meeting companies wherever they are on the path to better water stewardship. Next, it delivers solutions in various areas where a business might require expert resources and external support, such as auditing, engineering, consulting, digital technology, and advanced chemistries. These tactics help businesses achieve profitable outcomes, leverage incentives, and meet regulatory requirements. 

"Currently, the water-climate crisis is getting worse — not better — so the time for collective action is now if we are to impact change," said Glenn Pricket, president and CEO of World Environment Center, an independent, global nonprofit that advances sustainable development by working with member organizations, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders. "The private sector needs innovative solutions, like Ecolab Water for Climate, to be able to help solve the world's most pressing sustainable development-related problems."

With this type of guidance and support, companies learn to monitor and improve their water use while also gathering actionable insights into the ways that these changes affect their bottom line and comply with government regulations. In the end, they become better equipped to move the needle on their sustainability goals and to work toward long-term success.

Find out how your organization can minimize water use and comply with government sustainability regulations. 

This post was created by Insider Studios with Ecolab.