> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/ways-of-water/value-compass.md).
# Value Compass
Embracing sustainable values empowers companies to become environmentally responsible and socially conscious, forging meaningful connections with employees, customers, communities, and the environment. Key water values include (but are not limited to) long-term vision, breakthrough potential, and social equity.
Businesses have been traditionally known to focus on net profit and gain. However, short-term profiteering is leading towards collective future losses. According to an IBM survey, nearly half of consumers have willingly paid more for products labeled as sustainable or socially responsible within the past year. \[4]
For instance, we can observe a visionary approach through the activities of The Water Fund in Mexico City. The initiative brings together various stakeholders to create a shared vision for the region's water future, realizing that water is a systems issue. By building aquifer recharge, reusing wastewater, and preparing for climate change impacts, the Water Fund aims to ensure a future for Mexico City. The initiative acknowledges the dire link between climate change and increases in extreme weather events. Moreover, importing water from other parts of the country - as currently practiced- is not sustainable in the long-term. The Water Fund encompasses a diverse portfolio of approaches: a strategic 5-year plan; nature-based solutions; investment from various partners; and problem-solving in case of water shortages, flooding, and inefficient water management.
The ancient Puquio Wells of Nazca, Peru is another example of a visionary solution for long-term water sustainability. Built in 600 AD, these engineered structures continue to function and supply water even today. The Nazca Civilization realized the need to preserve water in the long run, especially in one of the driest regions of the world. They created an impressive network of canals that draw water from subsoil and transport it to agricultural lands for irrigation. The Puquios were designed to serve the long-term water needs of the community and secure a sustainable water supply that could support agricultural activities and livelihoods for generations. Despite facing challenges of urbanization and climate change, the community has continued to prioritize the preservation of the water supply system and stay resilient to external pressure and changing circumstances. The system also focuses on equitable distribution, ensuring a fair share to every member. This further promotes long-term viability of water supply, even during changing environmental conditions.
Recent water science projections indicate a 40 percent shortfall in freshwater resources by 2030, exacerbating the global water crisis. If companies align their comprehensive water policy with global sustainability goals, and recent projections, they can ensure that their endeavors stay pertinent and significant over time. Beyond business and human concerns, we also have the responsibility of stewarding water to maintain biodiversity. Loss of biodiversity jeopardizes the functioning of companies. For instance, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme suggests that biodiversity loss is gradually reducing the natural compounds used for medicines and the pharmaceutical industry is losing one major drug every two years because of the loss of the library of biodiversity.\[5]
The burden of water scarcity needs pressing solutions that go beyond conventional thinking. Global warming intensifies the crisis by resulting in modified precipitation patterns, polluted precipitation patterns,\[6] increased frequency of droughts, and severe weather events. This further affects water quality and availability. Significantly, from 2001 to 2018, approximately 74% of all-natural disasters were linked to water-related events, such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, and tornados. These occurrences impacted more than 3 billion people and resulted in a financial impact of almost $700 billion. We are now at a point where these kinds of natural disasters are undoing previous development gains, reversing our global accomplishments in human development. \[7]
The WOTA BOX, developed by the Japanese company Wota, represents a groundbreaking innovation in the field of water management and sustainability. This portable water reuse plant can recycle an impressive 98% of wastewater, allowing for water use even in areas with no water supply. The WOTA BOX has proven its reliability and safety, reducing the water required for an individual's shower from 50 liters to just 1 liter. The WOTA box initially was designed for home use, but in 2018 it was also impressively applied as a relief aid, providing essential water access to communities affected by natural disasters. We cannot simply rely on small-scale adjustments and wait for the next disaster to hit; instead, we must forge a new path that redefines industries, transforms mindsets, and propels us toward a regenerative future.
Another breakthrough in water sustainability is noticed through the efforts of Weather Makers to transform the Sinai Desert into a green and vegetated landscape through the restoration of the water cycle. Evidence points out that Sinai was once full of lush vegetation, but in recent centuries has been mostly barren due to anthropological actions and changing climatic conditions. While discussions on the climate crisis have primarily focused on fossil fuels and greenhouse gasses, the Weather Makers go to the root of ecological degradation and recognize that protecting and replenishing the natural world is crucial. Once the regional water cycle is restored through their meticulous restoration efforts, the restored landscape will work again as a natural mechanism to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their project vision is to ultimately recreate a green and fertile landscape in Sinai which will further restore the wetlands and increase biodiversity in the region. Their numerous collaborations have led to the development of living technologies that use a series of mini ecosystems to purify water, grow plants, and facilitate inland regeneration efforts. The potential impact of their project extends beyond the Sinai, inspiring others to rethink water management and seek landscape-scale, nature-driven solutions to environmental issues globally.
Fig: Landscape Restoration through restored hydrological cycle. Source: The Bardawil and Sinai Initiative[8]
Similarly, The Al Baydha Project\[9] in Saudi Arabia, led by Regenerative Resources director Neil Spackman, demonstrated that it is possible to reverse the process of desertification. By changing the interaction between water and land through a design inspired by studies of the landscape, the project has proven the ability to regenerate the arid landscape for plant and animal life, by purposely directing and conserving the scant rainwater in a series of hand-build channels and aquifer restoration ditches. The project is a successful example of how human ingenuity and thinking beyond conventional ways can lead to ecological restoration and water sustainability – even on earth’s most water scarce terrains!
Large organizations and corporations have the potential to set challenging water targets. For instance, the Tata Group and Australia’s Aid Program aims to combat the global water crisis by awarding $1.75 million for energy-efficient technologies that harvest freshwater from thin air. \[10] Similarly, the Future Policy Award (FPA) honors initiatives and policies that address pressing global challenges such as water scarcity.\[11] Furthermore, supporting ventures focused on water and investing in innovative technologies can create pathways for groundbreaking responses.
Sustainability and equity are two mutually reinforcing concepts \[12] and true sustainability can only be achieved when it is inclusive and fair to all members of society or businesses that have global supply chains. There are many points of leverage where water equity can be addressed, both within the company and within the community of operation. They can promote water equity by assessing their water usage throughout their operations, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing processes. They can work with local communities to ensure sustainable water use, invest in water conservation projects, and support local water infrastructure development. By reducing the overall water consumption, such efforts will help to minimize the impact on local water availability.
The collaboration of the Medford Oregon wastewater treatment facility with the Freshwater Trust to reduce temperature load to cool down the Rogue River showcases a holistic innovation while promoting equitable distribution of environmental benefits. By adopting the Water Quality Trading approach, they address effluent temperature challenges affordably, benefitting both the environment and diverse communities. The nature-based solution of planting trees along the banks, not only offsets temperature loads but also prevents erosion, filters chemicals, and supports local jobs. Strategically located plantings prioritize areas most in need, ensuring equitable benefits for all who rely on the river. The program prioritizes natural interventions over technological adjustments to improve the health of the watershed. This not only benefits the city but also downstream communities. This collaborative effort sets an inspiring example for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
South West Water's Upstream Thinking project demonstrates innovation with a focus on improving access to services. In South Western England, people have been reporting the bad quality of water due to residues from farming spilling into the rivers during heavy rainfalls. Instead of investing in engineering-only solutions and more efficient plants, the Upstream Thinking project adopts a widely collaborative effort. The entire community of landowners, farmers, researchers, environmental experts are involved to find practical solutions. Farmers are supported to make changes, for example to fertilize more sustainably; to create woodlands; to store stormwater, and many others. This approach not only enhances water supply and ecology but also supports farmers and minimizes costs for customers, making it an equitable and inclusive solution for sustainable water management.
To make sustainability innovations more equitable, organizations must adopt a set of discrete practices that prioritize fairness and inclusion. This entails conducting comprehensive impact assessments before implementation, ensuring engagement with local communities and stakeholders, and tailoring solutions to suit their specific needs and contexts. To take care of the affordability factor, companies have for instance the option to offer financial options and subsidies to make sustainable products and services accessible to economically disadvantaged populations. Moreover, addressing language and cultural barriers through effective communication fosters better engagement and participation. Empowering communities with skill-building and training programs, as well as involving them in participatory decision-making processes, creates a sense of ownership and ensures that the needs of everyone are incorporated. For instance, through the Caring for Water initiative, Nestlé is committed to certifying all its water sites with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard by 2025. This certification process requires Nestlé’s water users, including farmers and communities, to understand water challenges collectively and act accordingly. This approach emphasizes participatory decision-making, as local communities and stakeholders play an active role in co-designing solutions tailored to their specific water challenges and needs. \[13]
Collaboration with NGOs and community organizations can further help to amplify impacts, track progress, and identify disparities to adjust strategies accordingly. The success of the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) Water for Schools program by The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) is made possible through the collaboration of various stakeholders. RAIN partners with H2O for Life, a non-profit organization, to leverage their expertise in water and sanitation projects. Additionally, they collaborate with the South African Department of Basic Education to ensure that the program aligns with the educational needs and requirements of the schools. \[14] Inclusive marketing and outreach strategies further amplify the benefits of sustainability innovations, resonate with diverse audiences, and create the space and momentum for a more equitable and sustainable future. This can be achieved by making products accessible to both economically disadvantaged and affluent communities.
