"By combining our advanced products and sharing our experience and insights, we create more cost-effective, efficient and resilient water management for our customers and communities."
We have come through a challenging period on so many levels. Pandemic aside, the global water crisis continues to escalate as demand for clean, usable water is outstripping supply and climate change continues to increase the number of floods and droughts.
Across the globe we see ageing and overburdened water systems struggling to support growing populations and increasing demands. Faulty infrastructure and leaking pipes are resulting in between 20% to 30% of the world’s water being lost before reaching its intended destination. New energy efficiencies can be achieved, as well as improving the water crisis, if we tackle infrastructure issues.
Industrial pollution, agricultural runoff and nutrient overload are also placing a significant strain on our global water systems. Worldwide, extreme economic damage caused by water-related natural disasters such as hurricanes, droughts and flooding are becoming the norm.
It makes for a challenging picture as expanding populations, urbanisation, widespread industrialisation and increasingly volatile weather patterns take their toll. Compounding this, around 4% of the world’s electricity is used by the water industry.
But new technologies and solutions are emerging to offer bold new ways to protect and optimise water. Companies like Xylem are taking stewardship roles responsibly, pushing for change and progress towards sustainable goals. One year ago, we established our global 2025 Sustainability Goals, extending our sustainability strategy. We know our partners - our customers, our colleagues in the company and those in the communities we serve - want to align with a business that shares their values and commitments to safeguarding our world into the future. In the UK and Ireland, we already have a powerful initiative in place. ‘Empowering Sustainability’ encourages every colleague to play their part in driving change.
Wise water reuse in our facilities has been a key focus, energy efficient vehicles, wildflower and tree planting and local ‘clean ups’ across communities are helping to protect fragile local ecosystems. What’s more, our colleagues committed more than 8,000 volunteer hours to worthy causes in the community, through the Xylem Watermark scheme.
By combining our advanced products and sharing our experience and insights, we create more cost-effective, efficient and resilient water management for our customers and communities.
That’s why Xylem’s UK and Ireland teams are here to partner you on the road to net zero, to help you find the most sustainable solutions and to enable you to achieve your own goals and targets.
Ian Thompson
Managing Director
Xylem UK & Ireland