Progress report for
Valuing Water Finance Initiative Signatories
Achievement at a glance
Since the launch of the Water Action Agenda in March 2023, the Valuing Water Finance Initiative has grown with 16 new investor signatories, bringing the total group of signatories to 101 investors with $17.4 trillion AUM. Investor signatories are directly engaging companies on the focus list to support them in meeting the criteria outlined in the 2030 Corporate Expectations for Valuing Water. The Expectations align with the UN’s 2030 SDG ambition.In October 2023, Ceres released the inaugural Valuing Water Finance Initiative Benchmark which assesses 72 companies from four industries with a high water footprint – food, beverage, apparel, and tech. The companies were analyzed on their water risk management practices against the 2030 ambition of the six Corporate Expectations for Valuing Water. These expectations cover a suite of water-related issues including water quantity, water quality, ecosystem protection, access to water and sanitation, board oversight, and public policy engagement. NGOs, investors and companies can use this report to learn about the water management activities of corporations, including those employing leading practices in corporate water stewardship. The design of the Benchmark and its supporting indicators have, where feasible, built on and complement existing disclosure frameworks, guidance and standards. Benchmark report and key findings available here: https://www.ceres.org/water/valuing-water-finance-initiative/benchmark
Challenges faced in implementation
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Kirsten JamesBeneficiaries
The initiative supports a global group of institutional investors in their engagement with the private sector on water risk. Private sector actors, particularly those related to the food, beverage, apparel, and high-tech sectors, will benefit from engagements that support a better understanding of water risk and action steps to mitigate the risk. Broadly, the initiative will contribute to resilient watersheds, economies, and communities around the globe as companies elevate their water stewardship ambition in alignment with the Corporate Expectations.