Water is becoming a hot topic in Canada`s boardrooms. In the November issue of Water Canada, Matt Loose and Carla Stevens explore the increasing stakeholder demand for effective water disclosure and the implications for strategy. For more information download the article at the right.
Strategies to Sustainability
WATER SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES
Managing water in a secure, sustainable way is a matter of national and global importance. Water is essential for basic human needs, cultural values, resource and economic development, and the natural systems that we depend on for services. Because of the fundamental importance of water, Stratos is committed to shaping long-term, strategic and sustainable water management in Canada.
Full Disclosure: Water is vital for life and a healthy bottom line >
Water Disclosure: Insights and Implications for Corporate Practitioners >
NRTEE Report: Changing Currents: Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors >
Water
We believe that water will be one of the defining sustainability issues of this century. With the growing trend of addressing natural resource and sustainability issues collaboratively in Canada, all levels of government, companies, industry representatives, non-governmental organizations and citizens will play a role in managing water in a strategic and sustainable manner.
We help clients navigate the risks and understand the opportunities presented by water sustainability through risk management, developing sustainable management strategies, stakeholder engagement, and development of policy and governance structures. We work constructively with individuals and organizations, and where possible convene different interests, in pursuit of progressive and equitable water management solutions.
Full Disclosure: Water is vital for life and a healthy bottom line
Water Disclosure: Insights and Implications for Corporate Practitioners
This short briefing note is designed to provide corporate practitioners with insight on the emerging water pressures facing corporations and describes best practice in water disclosure. It is intended to support corporations in their thinking around water disclosure and corporate water strategies.
NRTEE Report: Changing Currents: Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors
Stratos is pleased to have contributed to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) report on the sustainability of Canada’s water resources and water uses, challenges and opportunities for Canada’s major natural resource sectors. The report highlights important water use trends and challenges in Canada, including water governance and management challenges, that will impact organizations across the public and private sector. Emerging from the NRTEE report are some important messages on water use, governance and management for both the natural resource sectors and governments including:
For Businesses and Sectors…
- A lack of understanding about water availability and climatic variation (e.g., extreme events) creates uncertainty and risk for organizations.
- The management of water needs to be considered in the context of the management of other resources, as using less freshwater may create impacts to other resources, such as land or air.
- Learning and adapting to new knowledge and conditions is important given the complexity associated with managing water resources.
- How businesses and sectors use water can affect social license to operate.
For Governments…
- Water uses, issues and impacts are highly regional and emphasize the importance of watershed level management.
- There is a strong and important connection between the management of water quality and quantity.
- Water and energy are inextricably linked in the management of water.
- Water management policies need to be outcome-based, adaptive and flexible.
The full report can be downloaded from the NRTEE website. If you would like to discuss the implications for your organization of the water directions described in the report, please contact Vicky Weekes of the Stratos water team.
