Water strategy sets the standards
Ethical Corporation, an independent firm that encourages debate and discussion on responsible business practices, has recognised Rio Tinto's water strategy as providing a model for other businesses.
Speaking at Ethical Corporation's Water and Business Summit in London, in November 2008, Elaine Dorward-King, global head of HSE said: "Rio Tinto's approach to proactively manage our water resources is gaining recognition externally. We have had steady improvement in our water management since our water strategy was implemented in 2005.
More to be done
"However, there is still more work to be done to ensure we can responsibly secure future access to water and we will continue to work with businesses and our local communities to make this happen."
In a recent report, Ethical Corporation says it expects water scarcity to intensify due to growing global populations and the effects of climate change. Rio Tinto's water strategy encourages a long term approach to water management by identifying risks and opportunities, and promoting improved performance.
The strategy's three key objectives are:
- Improving water performance
- Understanding the value of water
- Engaging with others on sustainable water management
The strategy was developed with extensive consultation with both internal businesses and external organisations. A number of programmes have been developed to support businesses to achieve improved performance. The strategy has raised awareness of water as a business issue across the Group. Businesses are now developing their own local water strategies depending on their water risk.
In the Namib Desert, Rössing's local water strategy highlights the value in communication with regulators about water. In the arid Pilbara of Western Australia, Rio Tinto Iron Ore has developed a water strategy to improve performance and identify regional water opportunities.