Barclays and The Columbia Water Center Launch New Study, Reveal How Energy Companies and Public Utilities
Can Help Protect and Improve Water Resources In The U.S.
Second report in Impact Series explores how oil and gas operators, the utility industry and governments can
work together to improve transparency around water usage, invest in innovative technologies, and improve data collection
In recognition of UN World Water Day, Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) and the Columbia Water Center today released the second
report of the Impact Series from the Barclays Social Innovation Facility. Titled The water challenge: preserving a
global resource, the report explores the extent of the water challenge and how oil and gas operators, the utility industry and
governments –all large consumers and users of water – can take advantage of opportunities to become more efficient and sustainable
in its water management.
This report shows that robust water management, combined with innovative technologies and forward-looking practices, will not
only be good for the environment and society, but can also benefit companies’ bottom lines.
Acknowledging this year’s World Water Day theme of “Wastewater,” the report also examines how companies can apply best practices
and new technologies to reuse or recycle the wastewater they create in the course of their business. In fact, the research shows
that companies that implement sustainable water practices, such as reusing water and building efficient infrastructure, will lessen
the contribution to freshwater scarcity and quality issues.
“Water scarcity is an enormous and undeniable challenge for both society and the environment, but also presents an opportunity
for sustainable investment,” said Zachary Sadow, energy equity research analyst at Barclays. “The water challenge report
demonstrates the crucial need for investment in water-related technologies and infrastructure that enable oil and gas operators,
the utility industry and governments to treat wastewater effectively as a resource. Ultimately, the companies that can reduce
freshwater usage and costs will be best positioned for an uncertain water future.”
“Because the water, energy and utility industries are so deeply interconnected, improved water management is crucial to
companies’ supply chains and futures,” said Upmanu Lall, Director of the Columbia Water Center. “By examining industry growth and
analyzing data on water consumption by industry, research in The water challenge identifies sustainable and efficient
solutions that protect our resources by reducing both energy and water usage.”
Key findings of the report include:
- The oil and gas industry can substantially increase water reuse. By mirroring the success of
countries such as Canada, where regulations mandate water reuse and limit fresh water acquisition for oil sands operations, the
U.S. may be able to follow suit.
- U.S. government research and development (R&D) for new technologies and funding of crucial
accounting agencies represent critical public sector functions to complement private sector investment and initiatives.
Because larger companies have R&D budgets for water technologies, smaller companies should receive support from government
agencies to engage in progressive water practices. Additionally, enforcing and standardizing water reporting across industries
will help improve water management.
- Policy and economics will be the biggest drivers of innovation for power and water utilities.
In an uncertain regulatory future, utilities that incorporate water risk planning into their strategic planning and engage in
integrated water resources management will be better prepared for unforeseen water supply shocks.
- The infrastructure crisis in the water utility industry needs immediate attention. There is
significant opportunity for public-private partnerships and capital investment in the water utilities industry, and collective
action is needed to improve transparency and encourage investment in innovative technologies.
- Evidence shows that energy companies can be encouraged to put effort into R&D for technologies
that benefit all. There is a variety of technologies that can transform alternative sources of water into industrial use,
including desalination, recycling effluent water, indirect and direct potable reuse, advanced metering infrastructure, lead
detecting technologies and dry cooling.
About Barclays’ Social Innovation Facility
The Barclays Social Innovation Facility is a catalyst for the development of innovative products and services
that deliver both an ongoing commercial return and a sustained social impact. It was launched in 2012 and is a key part of the
firm’s Shared Growth Ambition. The Impact Series is designed to explore the social impact of economic, demographic and disruptive changes
affecting markets, sectors and society at large.
For more information or to view the full report and executive summary infographic, please click here.
About Barclays
Barclays is a transatlantic consumer, corporate and investment bank offering products and services across personal, corporate
and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management, with a strong presence in our two home markets of the UK and the US.
With over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 40 countries and employs approximately 130,000
people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide. For further information about
Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays
About Columbia Water Center
The Columbia Water Center’s mission is to creatively tackle water challenges of a rapidly changing world where water and climate
interact with food, energy, ecosystems and urbanization. Combining the rigor of scientific research with the impact of effective
policy, we aim to design reliable, sustainable models of water management and development that can be implemented on local,
regional and global levels. The Columbia Water Center, in collaboration with other Earth Institute units and external partners, is
leading intellectual inquiry into the assessment, understanding and resolution of the global crisis of freshwater scarcity. For
further information, please visit http://water.columbia.edu/
Barclays
Brittany Berliner, +1 212-526-4894
brittany.berliner@barclays.com
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