CDP, Ecolab launch index to boost corporate water management

Core Insights - CDP and Ecolab have launched the Water Use Efficiency Index to help companies measure, compare, and enhance their operational water performance [7] - The index will utilize a dataset of over 10,000 annual corporate water disclosures and insights from Ecolab's customer base across 40 industries and 170 countries [7] - The initiative will initially focus on the beverage and brewing segment within the food, beverage, and agriculture industry, which is known for being water-intensive [5][7] Industry Implications - The index aims to establish "best in class" benchmarks for water use efficiency, allowing companies to identify opportunities for improvement [3][4] - Companies that effectively manage and improve their water use are expected to be better positioned to protect margins, secure supply chains, and attract capital, especially as water stress increases [5] - A report from Ceres indicates that while progress is being made in water sustainability targets across major industries, it is occurring unevenly and not rapidly enough [6]