Water scarcity

DEFINITION: A lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region.

 

Related items

The report warns that businesses must do more to minimise water extraction, accelerate replenishment and eliminate pollution

CDP: Water risk costs for corporates five times higher than cost of action

Some $301bn of business value is at risk because of water stewardship challenges, yet it would take corporates just $55bn to deliver appropriate mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
The Resilient Cities Network's director of innovation and project development Braulio Eduardo Morera will lead the new initiative

P&G and Electrolux among corporate members of major new water security alliance

Businesses including Procter & Gamble (P&G), Electrolux and Suez have joined a new initiative aimed at uniting the private, public and third sectors with policymakers in a collective drive to tackle water scarcity.
The company recorded a 12% reduction in relative carbon emissions from its breweries in 2019

Carlsberg closes in on carbon reduction goals

Brewing giant Carlsberg's latest sustainability report has revealed that the company has reduced carbon emissions by 39% since 2015, as it closes in on a goal to halve brewery emissions by 50% by 2022.

#SustyTalk: P&G's Frantz Beznik on water stewardship and green innovations

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive interview with Procter & Gamble's global head of sustainable innovation Frantz Beznik.
Pictured: A health centre worker carrying water in Ethiopia. Image: WaterAid/ Genaye Eshetu

Report: Only 1% of global climate finance helps water-stressed communities

Of the $73bn of international climate funding provided in 2018, less than 1% was allocated to help the world's poorest people access water and sanitation, a major new report from WaterAid reveals.
The pandemic has presented new challenges and opportunities for addressing food waste

WRAP: UK food sector 'needs to pick up the pace' on waste

UK businesses diverted £300m worth of food from waste this year, but the sector needs to accelerate action if it is to meet the Courtauld Commitment's environmental targets for 2025.
According to the survey, 10% of the public consider water consumption a key environmental consideration

'Great British Rain Paradox': Public unaware of UK's water scarcity

The risks of climate change and population growth on water scarcity in the UK remain hidden, with a new survey of 2,000 Brits revealing that water consumption is low down on the priority agenda for environmental concerns.
Water scarcity now affects more than 40% of the global population

Microsoft to become water positive by 2030

Microsoft has built on its ambitious emissions reduction targets by committing to becoming a "water positive" business by 2030, pledging to replenish more water than it uses.
If natural disasters occur at the same rate recorded over the last 30 years, 1.2 billion could be displaced globally by 2050

Climate crisis to cause mass population displacement and growth in refugees, report finds

The ecological and climate crises are on course to displace more than 1.2 billion people by 2050, as natural disasters, food shortages and water scarcity create mass disruptions to global migration trends.
Unilever will introduce water stewardship programmes for local communities, manufacturing operations and suppliers in 100 water-stressed locations by 2030

Unilever enhances global water stewardship efforts

Unilever has joined two coalitions aimed at implementing projects in water-stressed countries to improve access to safe and clean water by 2030.
Sainsbury's is widely regarded as a leader on water stewardship in the UK's retail sector, having been awarded the Carbon Trust’s Water Standard in 2017

Sainsbury's granted water self-supply licence

Sainsbury's has been awarded a self-supply licence for water and sewerage by regulator Ofwat, as it works to become 'water-neutral' by 2040.
Nearly half the global population are already living in potential water-scarce areas 

England at serious risk of water shortage by 2040, MPs warn

England is at "serious risk" of running out of water within 20 years because of policymakers', regulators' and the water sector's failure to tackle leakage and align with net-zero.
he 1,051 companies contacted account for $8trn in market capitalisation and are estimated to emit more than 4,800 megatonnes of carbon

Investors target Facebook, Nintendo and other business giants over climate disclosure

More than 1,000 multinational companies have been contacted by a group of more than 100 investors, calling for relevant data on environmental performance and stewardship to be disclosed to CDP.
The strategy is focused on water stewardship, zero-waste manufacturing and powering operations and facilities with renewables

Intel targets net-positive water use and world's 'most sustainable' PC

IT manufacturer Intel has unveiled new sustainability targets for 2030, committing to achieving net-positive water use, being powered by 100% renewables and launching the "most sustainable and energy-efficient PC in the world".
By 2045, there will be 7% less water available for abstraction across the UK, the report states

Parts of England could run short of water within 20 years, NAO warns

Unsustainable water abstraction processes and infrastructure, compounded by climate change and population growth, will result in parts of southern England running out of water within 20 years.
As of 2018, England's water consumption on a per capita basis was 143 litres daily 

UK water industry criticises 'unclear' Government approach to efficiency

The trade body representing the UK's water sector has criticised the Government's previous action and planned moves for water efficiency in homes and business, as water use is set to rise amid the Coronavirus outbreak.

Six ideas to achieve your flexible energy future on the road to net-zero

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors discussed the role that smart and flexible energy technologies and systems will play in the net-zero transition.

Mission Possible: The 2020 report

This exclusive edie report explores how a green recovery from Covid-19 can be achieved across six of the UK's biggest industries: Utilities, Manufacturing, Construction, Retail, Hospitality & Leisure, and the Public Sector.

edie Explains: Smart Grids

What is a smart grid and why is it important? What are the potential business benefits of the smart grid transition? And how mature is the smart grid concept in the UK? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.

The Net-Zero November 2020 summary report

Brought to you by the award-winning edie content team, Net- Zero November is our themed month of editorial content and events dedicated to informing, inspiring and empowering sustainability and energy professionals on the road to a net-zero carbon future. This free new report summarises the key takeaways.

Global Action Plan's Chris Large (left) and compere Julia Bradbury presenting the Barry Callebaut team with the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet employee engagement champions Barry Callebaut

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our employee engagement initiative of the year, Barry Callebaut.

edie Explains: The Green recovery

What is the green recovery? Where does business sustainability fit into its wider context? What is happening at a policy level? And what does the future hold for green recovery efforts? This edie Explains guide answers all of these questions and more.

Five ways to ignite behavior change on energy use

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors shared experiences driving engagement to change behaviours around energy use.

edie Explains: The circular economy

This new and updated edie Explains guide breaks down everything there is to know about achieving a circular economy for your business.
Eshcon director Anya Ledwith (left) and compere Julia Bradbury (right) present the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet water management champions The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Water Management Project of the Year award, The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK.
Three-quarters of British firms believe they have a role to play in furthering national and international progress against the SDGs

New report details how businesses can help achieve SDG 7: Clean and Affordable Energy

edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Bryt Energy, looks at how businesses and national policies can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 7: Clean and Affordable Energy.
Amali joined Lidl GB in 2017 and has helped to develop its first responsible sourcing strategy

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Amali Bunter, Lidl GB

This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Lidl GB's senior responsible sourcing manager Amali Bunter.

Sustainability Leaders Awards 2021: Meet the Winners

This special report provides in-depth profiles of all of the winners of edie's 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards, along with exclusive comments from our judges and summaries of all 189 finalists across 24 categories.

Oil and gas majors, along with materials giants, airlines and automakers, received the letter 

Disclose climate risks or face divestment, investors warn Europe's largest companies

A coalition of investors representing more than $9trn of assets has asked some of Europe's largest and highest-emitting companies, like Shell and Maersk, to prove they are aligning with the Paris Agreement and to improve climate risk disclosure.
The UK's climate action is under mounting scrutiny in the lead-up to COP26

Leading or lagging: Is 2050 too late for net-zero in the UK?

When the UK first announced its legally binding net-zero target, it was described as 'world-leading'. But, given that the IPCC recommended 2050 as a final cut-off date, the debate has been intensifying around whether the nation can go further and faster.
The Dasgupta Review was commissioned by HM Treasury and lays out key recommendations to reversing manmade declines in biodiversity 

Landmark review calls for nature to be included in economic decision making

A new landmark review has been launched today (2 February), outlining how businesses and policymakers can include and account for nature as part of economic decisions, with many claiming the findings could be as influential as the Stern review on climate change.
Pictured: Compere Julia Bradbury and edie's insight editor James Evison (left) present the Kaluza team with the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet cleantech innovators Kaluza

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Technological Innovation award: Kaluza.
George has been working in corporate responsibility for five years and recently announced a promotion within John Lewis Partnership

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: George Barrett, John Lewis Partnership

This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: George Barrett, sustainability manager for the circular economy at John Lewis Partnership.

Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for hospitality and leisure

edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Up next, hospitality and leisure.
The awards mark an exceptional year for the edie brand, which has evolved all of its live events into innovative virtual formats

edie wins two prestigious digital publishing awards

edie has been named the Best Online Brand and the Digital Editorial Team of the Year by the Association of Online Publishers (AOP) – a double award-win which caps off an unprecedented year for the brand and its audience alike.

SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 9; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with UK Power Networks Services, looks at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

edie explains: Electronics and the circular economy

How can businesses create a circular economy for electronics of all kinds? What are the challenges and benefits of doing so? And how are policies affecting the e-waste changing? This free edie explains guide answers all these questions and more.

Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for manufacturing

edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. First up, manufacturing.

The Green Recovery Business Roadmap

Much has been said about the need to deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. But what new ways of working should businesses be exploring to assist with a just and low-carbon transition? This new report outlines EIGHT key considerations.

The Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook 2020

Updated in September 2020, the Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook provides expert advice on engaging key stakeholders with your sustainability strategy; along with fresh insights to shape, deliver and share a compelling sustainability report.
The Environment Bill will be reintroduced to Parliament shortly after the summer recess finishes

Environment Bill update: UK to introduce legally binding nature, water, air and waste targets from 2022

After enshrining its 2050 net-zero target in law last year, the UK Government is developing similar legally binding targets for biodiversity, air quality, water and waste.
Diageo updated its goals in 2015, to align them with the SDGs. Image: Diageo

Diageo celebrates halving emissions since 2007

Beverage giant Diageo has exceeded a 2020 sustainability target of halving its direct operations since 2007, after investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

edie Explains: Scope 3 carbon emissions

What are Scope 3 emissions? How are they calculated? How can they be mitigated and reduced? And, what are the business benefits of doing so? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.

The ESG Handbook 2020: Spurring the green recovery

Green finance and ESG investing were reaching a tipping point, then the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world. The virus hasn’t so much as tipped the scales towards ESG investing but rather poured most of the world’s financial system towards it.
The podcast brings three exclusive interviews with sustainability experts

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Carbon labelling, office space and new normal leadership

Episode 89 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast delivers three exclusive interviews with sustainability leads at tech manufacturer Logitech, flexible office provider Workspace and an in-depth chat with global white goods firm Arcelik's chief executive Hakan Bulgurlu.

Kering's fund for nature and a new green hydrogen plant: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

45-Minute Masterclass: Accelerating the smart grid transition for your business

With distributed energy assets fast becoming a mainstream part of the UK power network, this live online masterclass will equip businesses with the insights and inspiration they need to decentralise, decarbonise and democratise their energy through smart grid technologies and systems.
Image: Safe Water Network

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet social sustainability champions Honeywell Hometown Solutions

With less than a week until the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: the winners of the Social Sustainability & Community Development Award, Honeywell Hometown Solutions.

edie Explains: Carbon offsetting

What is carbon offsetting in the terms of a businesses’ carbon emissions strategy? How does the carbon offset process and its market work? And, at what point should a business turn to carbon offsetting?

Business Energy Barometer: April - May 2020

edie's Business Barometer for 2020 sets out the key challenges and opportunities for energy leaders and managers going into a decade of climate action.

Each winning project will get a grant of between £50,000 and £250,000

£2m challenge kick-starts for water-related innovations

Regulator Owfat has this week launched a new £2m challenge, which will award those developing innovative solutions to the UK water sector's biggest environmental challenges such as climate change and pollution.

Mission Possible: Achieving a sustainable future for RETAIL

edie’s insight report series provides an in-depth exploration of the steps that sustainability and energy professionals within Britain's retail industry can take to achieve a sustainable future, today.

edie explains: Energy-from-Waste

This new edie explains guide looks at Energy-from-Waste (EfW) and the associated technologies and issues surrounding the topic.
Earlier this year, Nestlé committed £1.59bn to source food-grade recycled plastics to be used in its packaging

Nestlé signs up to European Plastics Pact to push for 100% recyclable or reusable packaging

Food and beverage giant Nestlé has announced that its European business is following in the footsteps of its UK operations by signing up to the European Plastics Pact to help achieve its goals of ensuring packaging is 100% reusable or recyclable by 2025.
Boris Johnson has vowed to 'build, build, build' - but what must happen now to ensure that government and the construction sector are 'building back better'?

Building back better: What role should construction and retrofit sectors play in the UK's green recovery?

EXCLUSIVE: The Treasury this month launched a £3bn package to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings while boosting employment post-pandemic. But what needs to happen now to ensure that the schemes it funds align with net-zero, and what about new buildings?

In action: the world's first fully commercial carbon capture and utilisation plant

Carbon Clean – in partnership with Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (TFL) – has been operating the world’s first low-cost, industrial-scale carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) plant in India since October 2016. Take a look inside the project with this new download.
FDF members have also delivered strong progress on water stewardship

Food and drink businesses meet carbon reduction goals five years early

The UK's food and drinks sector has collectively slashed carbon emissions by 55% since 1990, surpassing a target set for 2025.

Five ways to maximise the impact of your energy data

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors discussed the role that energy data can play in the delivery of net-zero targets.

Four top tips for building a great net-zero carbon strategy

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors shared experiences developing and delivering net-zero strategies.

Pictured (L-R): Dieter Helm, Kirsty Hamilton and Joan Edwards. 

New Years Honours 2021: The sustainability champions on the Queen's list

The outstanding achievements of dozens of people working across the UK's environmental sphere have been recognised by the Queen in this year's New Year's Honours list. Read on to find out more about the newly-awarded scientists, policy experts, green finance champions and conservationists.

#SustyTalk: BELU Water's Natalie Campbell on purpose-led business

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive interview with Natalie Campbell, who became co-CEO of BELU Water earlier this year.

SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 12; Responsible Production and Consumption

edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Rio, looks at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

The success of the transition would hinge on enabling policies and roadmaps, steered by the UK Government

UK can create 200,000 jobs through clean technology drive

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has claimed that the UK can reach 100% renewable electricity in the next 11 years, with clean technology uptake set to create 200,000 new jobs provided the Government can deliver enabling policies.

edie Explains: Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage

What is carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)? What are the different types of CCUS technology? How can businesses benefit from CCUS? And what are the costs associated with CCUS? This new edie Explains guide answers all of these key questions and more.
The report features insight from an array of sustainability leaders

Sustainability leaders craft 10-point plan to revamp corporate purpose

Businesses in the vanguard of sustainability, including Unilever, Interface, Ikea and DSM, have come together to craft a new set of recommendations as to how the wider corporate community can embed a purpose aimed at tackling the climate crisis and social inequalities across the business.
Julie studied Business Administration but soon discovered that her passions lie in delivering positive outcomes for people and planet, too

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Julie Dang, Canary Wharf Group

This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Canary Wharf Group's CSR programme coodinator Julie Dang.

Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for retail

edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Up next, retail.