Self-supply manager Waterscan has been become a partner to CDP for its environmental disclosure system to consult on the importance of businesses reporting on water.
CDP supports organisations to measure and manage risks and opportunities relating to climate change, water security and deforestation.
Waterscan will work with the group to encourage more businesses to disclose their water usage and work to reduce consumption. CDP said this disclosure is viewed by investors and stakeholders as the first step to positive action on the environment.
In the UK 30 per cent of water is consumed by business customers but it is not regarded as a priority compared to carbon emissions or waste.
Waterscan’s water strategy manager Anastasia Sousanoglou said there are specific challenges around reporting: “It’s specialised and requires a unique data set, which is why relatively few companies disclose their water footprint and performance. At the same time, accountability and action on water has never been so critical. Our accreditation by CDP, along with our unrivalled experience, insight and intelligent data mapping, will help UK businesses accelerate their journey towards environmental leadership.”
She explained disclosure of water is very different to carbon as there are more variables to consider.
“A tonne of carbon has the same impact no matter where on the planet it is emitted, but the environmental impact of consuming a cubic meter of water can vary dramatically. Consider, for example, water use at a time and in an area with full reservoirs and low demand versus the same consumption in a water scarce area in the middle of a drought,” she said.
CDP is a not-for-profit charity whose work includes publishing water security lists for global corporations.