Water stewardship: Tell me, show me, prove it

Photo via Shutterstock: Companies such as Coca-Cola, DIAGEO and BASF are stepping ahead of the crowd when it comes to proving their water stewardship strategy.

My last column generated an online discussion about the overall role of "collective" action in water stewardship strategies and the role of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard and certification. Before we dive into the conversation, an overview of AWS’s mission and standard:

"To lead a global network that promotes responsible use of freshwater that is socially and economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable." The organization achieves its mission through the International Water Stewardship Standard (aka the AWS Standard), which "drives, recognizes and rewards good water stewardship performance."

Since my last GreenBiz column, I also have had several discussions with colleagues about this topic and about the recent AWS Water Stewardship Forum. The online dialogue and subsequent conversations reminded me of a comment from a colleague about sustainability reporting and an article by Peter Bakker, president of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Sustainability stories by companies are no longer compelling enough signs of progress. Stakeholders want proof that programs are having an impact.

Let’s start with my former colleague. Several years ago, this person commented that sustainability reporting was moving from "tell me and show me," to "prove it." His point was that sustainability stories by companies are no longer compelling enough signs of progress, and that stakeholders want proof that programs are having an impact. […]

Full article: Water stewardship: Tell me, show me, prove it