Corporate Action That’s Making a Difference on SDG 6-Water and Sanitation

This week, Global Sourcing Council's 17 Weeks for 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explores SDG 6 with examples of corporate action to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The Global Challenge:
While there is sufficient fresh water on the planet for everyone, millions of people per year die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. About 2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services (toilets), and 1.8 billion people worldwide drink from a fecally contaminated water source. Declining water quality is an acute problem around the world due to agricultural runoff, industrial wastewater, and improper disposal of human waste.

The Business Opportunity:
Water scarcity and pollution create business risk through scarcity and flooding, water quality affected by pollution, reputational risk, and regulatory risk. Current estimates predict a 40% global shortfall in water supply by 2030, and businesses are recognizing that continuing to manage water the same way will place $63 trillion worth of business at risk – or 1.5 times today’s global economy.

Water stewardship helps companies identify and manage water-related business risks and enable more sustainable management of shared freshwater resources. Protecting water resources and ensuring sanitation for all also reduces operational costs, protects the company from water stress; and improves the company’s image in the eyes of consumers, investors, and nearby communities.

Click Here to Find Examples of How to Take Action such as:

• Identify Water and Sanitation Challenges in your Supply Chain - World Health Organization (WASH); UN World Water Development and CDP Global Water Report 
   
• Learn from Leaders Taking Action on SDG 6 - Levi Strauss; Newmont and General Motors
   
•  Amplify your Impact: Collaborate with NGOs and Other Companies - Connect the Drops Campaign; CDP’s Water Program and WASH4Work
   
• Join the Sustainable Sourcing Community: Become a GSC Corporate Member or Individual Community Member to Drive Results
   
• Highlight your Work for Water and Sanitation in Sourcing: Apply Today for 2016 3S Awards [2015 Nominee Video: Banza Ltd.]
   
• Attend an Upcoming Event on Sustainable Business and SDGs

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