Sustainability Performance in the Water Supply

In order to render the sustainability performance of German water utilities measurable and evaluable, the team identified operational figures which it compiled into a catalogue.

Research approach

This catalogue then served as a socio-ecological rating system which provided a basis for surveys within the companies involved. In collaboration with its corporate partners, the team used the system to prepare a sustainability report. The 'Successful Communication of Sustainability Performance' handout now provides the sector with an effective tool, illustrating how water utilities can apply the rating system and use it to credibly communicate their achievements in the field of sustainability.

Background

Water utilities are faced with the challenge of finding a way to communicate their sustainability performance in a way that is credible both to insiders and to the outside world. This calls for an adequate means of measuring and evaluating their sustainability track record.

Project partners

• IWW Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wasserforschung gemeinnützige GmbH
• Arbeitsgruppe für regionale Struktur- und Umweltforschung GmbH (ARSU)
• Kommunale Wasserwerke Leipzig GmbH
• Städtische Werke AG, Kassel
• Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband

Funding

Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)