The Strategic Integration of Water Management for Business Success

Water stewardship isn’t just a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for businesses globally. The integration of water management practices into corporate strategies is essential for ensuring long-term success and resilience. In today's interconnected world – and a world facing the challenges of climate change – businesses must recognise the critical role of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

At DP World, WASH goes beyond corporate social responsibility (CSR). Our commitment to sustainability, embodied in our strategy "Our World, Our Future," mandates an operational focus paired with a broader dedication to the planet's health and prosperity in the face of climate change, with water being one of our priorities.

Although our own water footprint is small, it keeps trade flowing globally; it is necessary to our customers’ supply chains, and is a critical asset across sectors, from agriculture – a sector utilising 70% of the world’s freshwater withdrawals – to manufacturing and beyond.

Water is also essential to the communities that we, and our customers, operate in. Without adequate WASH, businesses face risks to productivity, economic stability, and reputation.

Businesses, including ours, have a responsibility to work together to manage water resources. Doing so will ensure our shared success, and the sustainable development of the communities we serve. But what more can businesses do?

1. Understanding your water footprint

Implementing effective water management strategies begins with understanding how businesses use water within their operations or supply chains. This can identify inefficiencies or excessive consumption in water-scarce areas, helping to improve the usage and management of water as a resource. For instance, our Water Conservation Management Strategy – being implemented later this year – will outline specific actions and guidelines to enhance water efficiency across our operations using a baseline assessment, setting a precedent for mapping our relationship with water. We also take a Source-To-Sea approach to water management; by recognising the interconnectedness of water systems and the impact of human activities, we ensure our approach is holistic.

2. Putting WASH onto the agenda

Businesses must become advocates for water and WASH, recognising their pivotal role in long-term success. By advocating for strategies to mitigate water-related risks, companies can proactively safeguard their operations and contribute to global water sustainability. Under the ‘Our World, Our Future’ sustainability strategy, we expanded our Oceans legacy pillar to Water to achieve this, enabling us to include projects and partnerships that support drinking water and sanitation, restore biodiversity, and tackle pollution in all water environments, not just our oceans. ?

3. A global-local approach

While a global strategy for WASH is essential, local nuances demand region-specific approaches. Strategies must be globally led but locally informed to overcome barriers effectively, to reflect that water-related challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa will differ to those in the Subcontinent. We have signed the CEO Water Mandate – a commitment platform for businesses to advance water stewardship and reporting – but also partner with organisations like WaterAid to facilitate the implementation of tailored solutions across diverse communities. Through our partnership with WaterAid, we are working with communities to deliver long-lasting and comprehensive WASH infrastructure to strengthen community resilience in communities, whilst also mapping WASH facilities across our network.

By adopting a global-local approach, businesses can address unique challenges and foster sustainable development worldwide.

4. Climate-resilient WASH

Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to water resources, requiring businesses to prioritise climate-resilient WASH initiatives. By supporting infrastructure and practices that can help communities cope and adapt to climate-related challenges, companies can ensure the continuity of WASH services despite environmental shifts. This is a cornerstone of our partnership with WaterAid, where, in Mozambique and Nigeria, we are implementing solar-powered WASH facilities.

5. Scaling tech and innovation

The convergence of sustainability and digitalisation presents opportunities and an imperative for businesses to scale WASH efforts responsibly. By deploying technologies that support sustainable objectives, companies can enhance water availability, quality and efficiency while minimising environmental impact. Technology and AI can require vast quantities of water, but the twin transition of sustainability and digitalisation requires careful attention to prevent unwanted outcomes and draining resources, ensuring that technological progress benefits both environmental and social well-being. We are collaborating with companies like MAITHRI AquaTech – a water tech company – to explore viable ways of increasing water availability and reduce contamination by harvesting water from the air. In its pilot stage at our Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, it gives us alternative sources for water for our operations and employees – an innovation that could be implemented across our operations in water scarce areas.

Elevating WASH standards is more than just the right thing to do but a strategic opportunity for businesses in today's world. By integrating WASH into corporate agendas and adopting proactive measures, companies can mitigate risks, enhance resilience and contribute to the well-being of communities worldwide. As we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future, let us prioritise WASH as a fundamental pillar of business success and global sustainability.