Water is an essential substance of life. Yet more than 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and water scarcity already affects four out of every 10 people around the world.
Knowing this critical resource sustains life, Shaw makes it our responsibility to use water wisely. We have taken significant measures to minimize its use in our operations and manufacturing processes. In 2016, we used 36 percent less water than if we were operating as we did in 2010. And we’re continuing to push for further improvements, driving toward a 50 percent reduction from 2010 to 2030.
Our water efforts align with our commitment to Cradle to Cradle design, which includes a keen focus on water quality in addition to material health, material reuse, energy and social fairness. Today, 85 percent of the products Shaw manufactures are Cradle to Cradle Certified. As we strive for 100 percent of our products being designed to this standard by 2030 and as we engage with our suppliers throughout the world, we stand to have an even larger global impact.
And we proudly support organizations working to safeguard water resources and engage people in the conversation. Through support of organizations like the Coosa River Basin Initiative, Rivers Alive and other nonprofits with whom we partner to clean up rivers and protect watersheds, we are committed to making a positive impact on people and the environment.
On World Water Day (March 22), we take a moment to acknowledge our progress and to continue to challenge ourselves to use sustainability as an engine for innovation throughout our operations.
The steps we take to conserve water help create a better future for the communities where we operate. That’s something we can all drink to!