As both the world population and the demand for clean water are increasing, water availability is decreasing in some locations around the world. For its part, Colgate strives to use this precious natural resource more efficiently and has established water efficiency goals to ensure we do so.
The efforts to reduce water usage are beneficial for Colgate and for the communities in which we operate. Such reduction protects drinking water resources, reduces water pollution and associated health risks; lowers the demand for a costly water supply; saves energy used to pump, heat and treat water; and produces cost savings. From 1998 to 2006, the Company reduced the amount of water required to produce a ton of product by approximately 42%. This far surpassed the Company’s goal of a 15% reduction from 1998 to 2006. Our 2002 to 2010 target is to attain a 40% reduction of water use per unit of production worldwide. Our 2007 water use per unit of production was approximately 35% less as compared to 2002 levels. We continue to strive to reduce our water use on an absolute basis even as our business continues to grow.
Some of the ways Colgate has achieved this are by consolidating manufacturing processes, product portfolio changes, and creating more efficient cleaning technologies that help reduce water usage.
Our factory in Baddi, India, for example, has found innovative ways of reusing water, including the use of treated cleaning water for on-site landscaping irrigation, which reduces demand on the city’s water system. The site also has a program to collect rainwater from facility rooftops for infiltration back into the ground, thus lowering overflow to a nearby river. In 2006, the Indian Environment Minister and other government officials who visited the Baddi plant praised Colgate for these initiatives.
Our LEED Silver certified facility in Morristown, TN uses 30% less water than plants of similar size, and it also has a storm water collecting site.
In 2005, the Company started a focused initiative to help identify opportunities and best practices for reducing water usage, similar to an initiative that has been successful in helping reduce energy usage.
Water Use Efficiency
Goal: 15% reduction (1998-2006)
Actual Performance: 42% reduction (1998-2006)
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