In 2010, we carried out an exercise to map our water-intensive facilities against areas of water stress. The issue of water shortage is an increasing concern and, as we operate in a water-intensive sector, we wanted a better understanding of where supplies of water may be threatened in the future and our impact on these supplies.
Agriculture accounts for around 69% of fresh water withdrawn for human consumption globally, and the food and beverage sector is one of the heaviest users of water. In the UK, this sector accounts for approximately 10% of industrial use of supplied water, and an additional 10% of total water abstracted. Unlike climate change, whose causes and solutions are global in nature, water is a local issue requiring local action.
To ensure that we understand water conditions locally, we analysed the locations of a total of 54 factories operated by AB Mauri and Illovo Sugar, which together accounted for 86% of our water use in 2010 (excluding irrigation). Using the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) World Water Tool, we concluded that 17 of these sites will be in areas of scarce or extremely scarce water supply by 2025, as measured by annual renewable water supply per person (m3/person/year).
We will work with each of the sites at risk to gain a deeper understanding of the local water situation. Over the coming years, we will focus our water reduction efforts at these sites, and more closely monitor local conditions. During 2011, we will extend the analysis to our other water-intensive businesses, and the decision where to site any new water-intensive facilities will incorporate a review of water stress conditions.