Ecolab CEO on the Importance of Water Stewardship
Christophe Beck is a great example of a CEO that utilises the 'top down' approach to sustainability and water positivity.
The Ecolab CEO leads the company in its water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions for the world.
“As I wrap up my time at Climate Week NYC, one message is clear: Performance is everything," Christophe shared on Linkedin.
"AI will unleash growth like we’ve never seen before—but only if we build systems that reuse water and energy at scale, as nature has for millions of years.”
Why Ecolab is focused on water positivity
Under Christophe's lead Ecolab has taken water stewardship as a core focus of the company's sustainability strategy.
In the company’s 2024 impact report Ecolab reported that it supported customers to save 226 billion gallons of water, alongside its management of one trillion gallons for customers around the world.
Ecolab reports that its 2025 goal is to save 234 billion gallons of water; it has reached 74% of its target so far.
In order to reach this goal Ecolab has a four step process for its clients to participate in:
- The Smart Water Navigator is a free service that supports clients to identify and quantify water related risks within operations
- Ecolab Water Track IQ supports customers to target water saving opportunities
- Supporting customers to take action to meet targets through the 3D TRASAR Technology
- Allowing clients to track operational performance and optimise outcomes using ECOLAB3D.
Within the company’s own operations, Ecolab has implemented its own tools and has reduced water impact intensity by 29%, heading towards the goal of 40% by 2030.
Just 150 companies can influence one-third of the world’s supply
Christophe says on Linkedin: “Water is our most vital resource. We can’t create more of it; we must protect what we have.
“The good news? Just 150 companies can influence one-third of the world’s supply.
“That’s real power and real opportunity. And I believe we’re ready to meet it.”
How water management can impact climate solutions
Ecolab says it is supporting customers to fight climate change through Smart Water Management.
The company says that reducing water use will help lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as moving, cooling, heating and treating water throughout the value chain requires energy.
Ecolab’s climate management system adapts to focus on several industries such as:
- Designing water programmes for manufacturing plants
- Vet cooling options for data Centers
- Assessing water impact in the primary metal industry operations
- Increase the speed and scale of water saving initiative in the chemical industry.
The company's Climate Impact report 2024 reports that Ecolab's 33% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with 71% of electricity coming from renewable sources and 3.6 million metric tons of GHG emissions being avoided.
Ecolab’s goal for 2030 is to support customers in avoiding six million metric tons of gas emissions every year, through effective water management solutions.
What can water management do to support the food supply chain
The company provides sustainable solutions that aim to protect food safety across the global supply chain.
Ecolab partnered with Nalco Water, reducing the Brazilian sugar and ethanol company's sulfuric acid consumption by around 22% annually.
Ecolab also provides customers with water waste treatments through the partnership with Nalco, offering tools to treat waste operation from primary clarification to discharge.
“A positive future depends on collaboration," says Christophe.
“As I shared in New York, we must continue to make connections, commit to action and own our spot as leaders shaping the future of growth and water.”
How Ecolabs supports AI whilst conserving water
Ecolab has created several initiatives surrounding AI, prioritising an approach that supports customers to optimise cooling loops, monitor cooling performance and manage system energy load.
By reducing cooling power and returning as much energy back to the compute as possible, Ecolab's innovation aims to optimise the use of cooling systems.
Alongside cooling innovations, Ecolab promotes a circular approach to managing water and energy, allowing customers to reduce, reuse and reclaim water, whilst still providing system uptime and reliable performance.
Nevin Sant, Global Vice President of Research & Development at Ecolab says: “Cooling efficiency is the biggest factor we are focused on right now.
“Managing thermal demand is critical to control total power and water consumption.
“We’re rolling out an innovation strategy including coolant, digital and monitoring processes along with our onsite services to help companies address cooling efficiency and better position themselves to manage energy demands.”
