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CSRD Day 2024: Highlighting Water’s Role in Corporate Sustainability Reporting
On November 12, 2024, the Dutch CSRD Day at NBC Conference Centre, Nieuwegein, brought together 600 participants who are sustainability leaders, innovators, and industry experts. The event featured a dynamic plenary program, 24 practical sessions, the Dutch CSRD Awards, and a bustling CSRD Marketplace with 25 booths. It showcased best practices, tackled emerging challenges, and highlighted innovative solutions to meet the directive’s ambitious goals. Water Footprint Implementation was honored to participate, sharing our expertise on water’s critical role in sustainability strategies.
As CSRD pushes for higher standards in corporate transparency, the importance of integrating water considerations into reporting frameworks has never been clearer. Our organization is committed to ensuring water becomes a priority in sustainability discussions, and this event provided an ideal platform to engage with industry stakeholders and thought leaders.
The Case for Water in CSRD
At the event, our colleagues Jaap Feil and Jurian van der Zwet delivered a compelling presentation on how businesses can embrace water stewardship within the CSRD framework. Their insights highlighted practical strategies and actionable approaches for integrating water as a core element of corporate sustainability efforts. Their presentation underscored four critical areas:
- Water Across CSRD Dimensions: Water should not be treated as a secondary concern but as an integral part of corporate sustainability efforts. Its impact extends across environmental, social, and governance dimensions, making it vital for comprehensive reporting.
- Beyond Compliance—The Strategic Importance of Water: Water is not merely a compliance issue but a strategic resource central to achieving environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability goals. Businesses must view water as a driver of positive change rather than just a metric.
- Value Chain Insights: To deliver meaningful sustainability reporting, companies need to assess water usage and impacts across the entire value chain—from suppliers to end-users. This holistic approach enables better decision-making and a deeper understanding of water’s role in business operations.
- Adopting the Water Footprint Concept: By embedding water footprint analysis into corporate reports, businesses can unlock practical benefits. This approach enhances the depth and value of sustainability strategies while aligning with the robust requirements of CSRD.
Leading the Conversation on Water
Our participation in CSRD Day 2024 reaffirmed the growing recognition of water as a critical element in corporate sustainability. Water Footprint Implementation is at the forefront of sustainable water management, driving the adoption of the water footprint concept in CSRD-aligned reporting. As sustainability reporting transforms, we empower businesses to stay ahead of the curve, embrace innovative solutions, and create lasting positive impact.