> 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/where-do-i-start.md).

# Where do I start?

The current situation demands companies to design business operations with water sustainability as a core objective. From consumers demanding sustainable products, employees wanting ethical work environments, investors willing to invest in eco-friendly companies and very real environmental constraints, there are sufficient reasons to drive businesses towards progressive water planning. Becoming sustainable might not be easy at first but the outcomes are worth taking up the challenge. You have leverage power to ‘start from where you are’ and work within your sphere of influence, and can start by reflecting and incorporating small eco-friendly practices; or if you are a water veteran, move into bigger territory and more breakthrough processes. Any business can reflect on the following questions to understand where they stand and figure out the opportunities for them.

## A. PERSONAL REFLECTION

i.     Consider the trajectory of ‘TAKE-MAKE-WASTE’ in your water use: Where is your water coming from? How does it arrive at your place of business and/or production? How much water do you use in operations and how much wastewater does the firm generate?  Have you ever conducted a water audit at your business/organization? Where would you guess there are areas for improvement? Water conservation strategies may start from a comprehensive water audit which will highlight the scopes for improvement and intervention. Continuous evaluation also helps to track the sustainability programs implemented and measure the success of any innovation that has been put to place. \[22]

To improve the overall water profile, externalities of water use cannot be overlooked as well – it is not just the amount of water used but how that water is used and recovered.  Examining the downstream effects of water usage (discharge) can also prompt a company/organization/household to look at upstream operations. For instance, if water is being discharged polluted, what is going on upstream that is generating this pollution? What can be removed in processes upstream that can eliminate the need to clean up downstream? As discussed previously, Dyecoo’s innovative technology eliminates downstream clean-up needs by significantly reducing water usage and pollution through its waterless dyeing mechanism. This demonstrates a holistic solution that prevents pollution at the source. Companies should sensitize every employee on proper water usage and water processes. Placing signages within the workplace will help to execute the initiatives effectively. 

ii.   Ethos: Is water sustainability one of the core missions of the company? - For both upcoming startups and established businesses, water sustainability can be prioritized by making it one of the core values towards which the business aims to operate. How can you work through your business or organization to formalize your company’s/organization’s commitment towards water stewardship and also hold everyone accountable for such commitment? This reflection can contribute to your company/organization’s overall Water Stewardship Plan. 

iii.  Thinking Ahead: Is the firm following the correct approach towards water sustainability? - Sustainability is about systems, not about single issues, and requires collaborative action. Instead of compartmentalizing, companies that want to be competitive in the coming decades and centuries require a holistic outlook rooted in environmental and social stewardship. This will result in a shift from ‘value-chain’ to a more integrated corporate ‘value-web’. This approach will further enable firms to understand what key levers are required to be pushed, added, or removed to make the system work for a new purpose altogether. \[23] Firms can reflect on the question ‘What is your company/organization’s value web for water usage?’ to know and determine the right approach towards water stewardship.

iv.  Participation & Engagement: Are the employees/colleagues/fellow students/family actively involved in this journey? - To incorporate a culture for sustainability within an organization, a sustainable committee can be formed with a few members. The committee will be responsible for improving the overall water efficiency of the firm and by enhancing the water-related practices and innovations. This will not only help to build accountability but will also bolster a sustainable environment in the workplace. Apart from giving employees the power to make decisions, it will also keep ideas flowing and help to inculcate sustainable and responsible practices among more people. How would you start the discussions for such a committee, or if one already exists, how could they evolve to the next level?

v.   Long-term vision: What do I need to ensure continuous water stewardship efforts? - To benchmark sustainability solutions, companies can aim to acquire sustainability certificates from credible sources such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification, Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Certification, Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Certification, etc. In this way the business can know that it is on the right track and put in more effort to maintain all the requirements of such certification. As these certificates operate on a renewal basis, firms will stay up-to date with sustainable practices and ensure that their policies are not outdated. This automatically helps to introduce new innovations and efforts and update the sustainability plans according to the contemporary requirements. \[24]

## B. PRACTICAL ACTIONS

Exploring the innovations and practices that are taking place around us is a remarkable milestone before embarking into the journey towards sustainability. As the issues around water escalate, it becomes increasingly important for organizations to understand the approaches to efficient water management and the need for water innovations. This can be carried out through a practical exercise that involves the following:

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY:

i.      Research and identify suitable locations - Several buildings are now coming up with exemplary water management and reuse solutions to address the growing concern of water scarcity. Firms that are willing to contribute towards this can look up for places were such practices are being followed. This can be done either through online research or from local directories or by seeking recommendations from government agencies, sustainability organizations of NGOs.

ii.     Contact relevant authorities or building managers - After identifying the location the building authorities or initiative should be contacted. A brief overview of the practice followed can be taken at this step to understand if it aligns with the objective and is a relevant case for consideration.

iii.    Schedule visit and prepare questions - Innovations often have several implications and even result in other negative environmental impacts. It is thus essential to prepare a set of questions before visiting the facility as it will help to better understand how feasible the innovation can be for the company as well as the local environment. These questions can focus on the water treatment or reuse process, technologies used, costs incurred including regular maintenance costs, business implications (if any) or allied environmental impacts. Consider the following questions to have a greater understanding of water usage and wastage through the ‘Take-Make-Waste’ lens:

TAKE - How much water does the facility currently use and what is the source of this water? Are there any plans to reduce water intake or switch to alternative water sources? What raw materials are required for the innovation's processes?

MAKE - How does the innovation work and what processes are involved? What is the quality of the innovation's output, and how does it compare to traditional methods?

WASTE - What waste is generated because of the innovation, both solid and liquid? How is the waste managed and treated before disposal or release? Are byproducts being utilized in other processes or repurposed?

iv.    Engage in a guided tour and discussion – It is preferrable to have a guided tour facilitated by an expert who has a good knowledge about the system in place. It should include a complete demonstration of the technology, measures followed and how they address the current sustainability needs and the overall water management strategy. 

v.     Explore collaboration opportunities – As water cannot be compartmentalized, conservation efforts should also be synergetic. The visit can be used as an opportunity to develop potential collaboration among the company and the facility to amplify the outcomes. Businesses can discuss joint projects, knowledge-sharing initiatives or partnerships that aim to promote water conservation efforts. The learnings from the visit should be shared with the stakeholders and other team members to further plan how to incorporate similar innovations into the company’s water management strategy. Additionally, after the site visit, reflect on the questions: 

·       How did the company pivot to make water stewardship a core of their organization?

·       How is their water initiative demonstrative of a ‘value web’?

·       How is their water initiative applicable to your situation and/or what was most inspiring to make you think about water stewardship in a new way? 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY IDEAS:

Along with the above, business firms/organizations/householders can also undertake several other measures such as conducting a water footprint assessment to quantify their water usage and explore areas for improvement. Through this, businesses can make informed decisions about water management and implement targeted conservation schemes. Additionally, firms can also organize workshops and seminars and engage in interactive sessions that demonstrate conservation strategies, cutting-edge technology and successful case studies related to water.  To foster a culture of innovation and involvement, companies can also organize a water efficiency challenge within the organization, encouraging employees to propose and implement water-saving ideas. To get involved with water at your local level, consider contributing to citizen science water monitoring projects or local waterway restoration efforts as ways to give back.