Month: September 2023

World Water Week 2023 wrapped up in Stockholm, Sweden a few weeks ago. Erica Pann, Water Stewardship Service Co-Leader for Antea Group, attended and shared her reflections and insights below.

With Climate Week NYC right around the corner, I have been reflecting on my recent attendance at World Water Week earlier this month. This annual event in Stockholm, Sweden acts as an invigorating beacon of hope in my personal water stewardship journey as well as a thought-provoking couple of days collectively in our quest for a sustainable and water-wise world. I found myself amongst experts and thought leaders all seeking to explore innovative paths toward achieving our collective sustainability goals.

For me, and perhaps in light of my current MBA course load, several themes emerged, each representing a critical piece of the puzzle for a future where water is abundant and accessible to all.

Finance: The Lifeblood of Water Sustainability 

The need for increased financial support emerged as a pivotal element in this endeavor. It’s no secret that failing to address water issues would undermine the SDGs and, consequently, our climate goals. In a blog published on the heels of the UN 2023 Water Conference, the World Resources Institute (WRI) shared that only 26% of publicly disclosed water commitments have identified clear funding sources. Some of the challenge lies in blending private and public capital. However, the road is fraught with complexities, influenced by political considerations and risk-averse investors.

It is important to note that governance and finance are inseparable; the progress of one invariably influences the other. To account for this, we need to strive for better utilization of existing funds in addition to creating an environment conducive to water financing. This includes establishing a sound investment climate, ensuring water regulations align with investment objectives, and broadening the focus to ensure the sustainability of projects and borrowers’ capabilities.

Industry Transformation: Water and Business Collaboration 

Industry transformation is the linchpin in the journey toward water sustainability, and it’s increasingly clear that the water and energy sectors must join forces. Their interconnectedness is undeniable, with the achievement of net-zero environmental goals hinging on this collaboration.

Energy’s thirst for water, from power plant cooling to resource extraction, intertwines with water’s reliance on energy for distribution and treatment. The partnership between these sectors is now imperative, pushing businesses to reimagine their practices. Innovations in water efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable supply chains are vital to curbing environmental impact. By working together, these industries not only reduce their footprint but also contribute to global climate and water resource efforts, ensuring a path to a more sustainable future.

The Nexus of Water and Climate: An Unbreakable Bond 

More and more experts in this space are focusing on the undeniable interplay between water and climate solutions, as climate change’s most palpable impact often manifests itself through the pronounced and far-reaching water crisis. This linkage exemplifies the intrinsic connection between water scarcity and climate change. The growing awareness has prompted a shift (albeit painfully slow at times) towards a comprehensive approach that emphasizes resource efficiency and integrates water into the core of energy-related investments, making it an indispensable component of the business rationale.

This integration is further emphasized at global gatherings like COP28, where the water community collaborates closely with climate initiatives to mainstream water across diverse agendas encompassing biodiversity, the energy transition, and climate mitigation. By recognizing water’s pivotal role in these realms, this collaborative effort is poised to address the intricate challenges posed by climate change and foster a sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Redefining Water Stewardship: Unleashing Collective Action 

Collective action is both a challenge and a solution in the complex realm of water stewardship. Overcoming the high entry barriers and intricacies of water issues is demanding, yet unity holds the key to progress.

Bridging the divide between NGOs and businesses requires a common language founded on shared goals and a commitment to sustainability. Trust-building is paramount, necessitating efforts to foster understanding among diverse stakeholders. Addressing power imbalances between relevant stakeholders is essential for equitable cooperation, with accountability forming the foundation of trust. Key discussions from experts in this space focus on appropriate basin selection, sustainable funding, inclusive governance structures, finding scalable projects, and amplifying diverse voices.

These conversations shape a collective approach to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the water crisis.

Sustainable Finance, Business Collaboration, & the Nexus of Energy and Climate: Collective Action through BIER 

The Charco Bendito Project facilitated by the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) serves as an outstanding illustration of the power of collaborative action in addressing these overlapping and highly complex environmental challenges. This inspiring project unites local communities, government agencies, environmental organizations, and the private sector in the pursuit of addressing water scarcity and degradation in a region facing severe environmental issues.

Through a joint effort, the project has implemented innovative solutions like reforestation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable agriculture to protect vital water resources while actively engaging local communities in decision-making processes. By fostering collaboration and pooling resources, the project not only addresses immediate water challenges but also promotes sustainable development, serving as a model of successful collective action for water conservation and ecosystem health.

Final Thoughts 

To sum it all up, these themes—sustainable finance, industry transformation, the linkage between climate & water, and the refocus of water stewardship through collaborative action—are integral to our vision of a future where water is not just a resource but the cornerstone of a resilient, sustainable world.

These seeds of change have the potential to blossom into a brighter, water-wise future for all, nurturing the world’s most vital resource for generations to come. As we look ahead to Climate Week, let us carry these insights with us, knowing that water’s role is central in the journey towards a sustainable and climate-resilient world.

For more on building a sustainable, water-wise future, connect with our Water Stewardship experts today.

Learn More About Water Stewardship

About Antea Group

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.

September 12, 2023 /3BL/ – Inogen Alliance is excited to announce a new first to market ESG self-assessment digital survey tool to assess ESG progress or test the maturity of an organizations sustainability initiatives. Our free detailed global ESG Pre-Screening tool is the first of it’s kind to help companies develop formal and comprehensive systems to manage ESG or sustainability-related risks and take advantage of potential opportunities.

“Within the past few years, we have seen a lot of jurisdictional transformation like the CSRD in Europe and the US SEC ESG investing directives requiring firms and capital markets to disclose their ESG commitments. We have also seen firms struggling to understand where to even start with their ESG or Sustainability journeys to be in compliance or meet new requirements. At HPC and across our global network we have the knowledge and the data to start to benchmark ESG status at a very high level by starting with the fundamentals to support our clients to better navigate the ESG landscape. With these recent developments and our available knowledge we decided to partner with denxpert though the Inogen Alliance to bring this data and expertise to life through this first-of-its-kind ESG Pre-Screening / Maturity declaration tool.” Emmanuel Zinsu, Head of ESG & Sustainability, HPC Germany.

“denxpert’s goal is to help companies digitalize their ESG and EHS journey. To put the knowledge of HPC and Inogen Alliance into a self-assessment ESG tool will open up the opportunity for any company around the globe to get a glimpse of their ESG status without needing to first rely on obtaining consultant or other services, “ Róbert Szücs-Winkler, CEO.

The ESG Pre-Screening tool collects data on generic ESG-related issues of a company for further analysis. The result is a first overview “snapshot” of your ESG performance. Registrants then receive a visual representation and quick insights to their ESG performance maturity within 15 mins after submission of the form in their private e-mail the same day. (This tool abides by our privacy policy, all data is confidentially treated per our data protection policies and would not be shared with third parties.)

“ESG is currently one of the biggest challenges for organizations. Next to their financial results the sustainability impacts are expected to become a strategic driver. HPC and denxpert together with our Inogen Alliance associates are privileged to present the first and fully automated ESG self-assessment digital tool to give companies a lightning fast solution for a real-time overview of their ESG performance or maturity. This is a good first step on their sustainability pathway and a game changer. With the Alliance experts and the denxpert tools we can also support the next steps on their strategic or operative sustainability journey,“ Róbert Szücs-Winkler.

View the ESG Pre-Screening Assessment Tool Here!

This new tool is available to all here and on our new Resources page where you can find other downloads, videos and on-demand webinars as a way of consolidating a global view of all of our Associates resources and materials.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

In support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and as part of Major League Soccer’s Kick Childhood Cancer (KCC) campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and treatment, AEG’s LA Galaxy hosted 13 pediatric cancer patients from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for the club’s first-ever Boot Making Lab, presented by adidas, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.

The youth were partnered with LA Galaxy first-team players and coaches to decorate a select set of boots and shoes. In celebration of the newly designed footwear, the boots and shoes were worn by the players and coaches during training sessions leading up to and on the official LA Galaxy Kick Childhood Cancer theme night match against the Houston Dynamo on September 2, 2023. The decorated player boots will be auctioned off later in the month, with all proceeds directly benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“This is the first time the LA Galaxy has done a “cleats for a cause” initiative and it is the first time in MLS history where players had the ability to showcase these customized cleats in a match setting,” said Gabriel Osollo, Senior Manager, Community Relations, LA Galaxy. “Our goal was to amplify the patients’ voices and their cause on a much larger scale by working with a professional sports team. It was so encouraging to see the players, coaches, and the youth collaborate to create cleats that are meaningful and special to all parties as they created memories that will last a lifetime.”

During the KCC Boot Making Lab, the youth patients and their families were invited to watch a closed-door first team training session, followed by a tour of Dignity Health Sports Park. The group also enjoyed lunch and ice cream provided Kinecta Federal Credit Union after the tour. The participating patients were also invited to attend the LA Galaxy’s Kick Childhood Cancer match, where they had the opportunity to see Galaxy players wear their designs on the pitch and were honored as the club’s “Heroes of the Match” during halftime. At the game, the youth also participated in the “Mascot Scramble”, where they played a mini soccer game against the various mascots from multiple Los Angeles sports teams.

MLS, MLS WORKS – the League’s social responsibility platform – all MLS clubs and Continental Tire are teaming up during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with the 10th annual Kick Childhood Cancer campaign to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and treatment. Throughout the month of September, MLS, its clubs and players will drive awareness of the campaign through in-stadium activations, League social and digital channels, and content on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.