Director of Research Travis Korte talks us through an evolution in our thinking about clean water and water security.
by Travis Korte
Our research team has been hard at work the past three years completing a massive review of all of our Pillars. Each Pillar was given a six-to-eight week examination, during which our team considered the data and research landscape alongside changes in client demand.
One major shift that came out of that project was a change to our Clean Water Pillar. We realized that cleanliness or quality is only one aspect of the human relationship with water—and that we weren't doing justice to other concerns like water access and resilience to water-related disasters. So we brought all those considerations together under a revamped Pillar—Water Security.
The new Pillar still looks at company behaviors like the disposal or accidental spilling of water pollutants, but adds new focus on a few other key issues. For example, which company behaviors impact community access to water for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene? And which behaviors impact resilience to water-related disasters, like droughts and floods? In this video, we break down our thinking on this shift further.
Some Key Takeaways:
- Capturing a Broader Set of Issues
The Clean Water Pillar captured many of the same company behaviors as our Biodiversity and Ecosystems Pillar. Our new Water Security Pillar also addresses more human-centered issues, like water access, sanitation, and disaster resilience. By revising the scope of this Pillar, we hope to provide our clients with a more comprehensive framework for values-aligned investing when it comes to water. - Client Demand Drives Pillar Evolution
Client demand and shifting global attitudes are always at the forefront of our decisions when it comes to Pillar changes. This shift to Water Security aims to reflect our clients’ interest in the relationship between humans and access to clean water. - Aligned with Global and Local Challenges
Water Security allows investors to shape their portfolios to impact pressing global and domestic issues—from decaying water infrastructure in Flint, Michigan, to droughts in Africa. With this change, we strive to offer a values-based lens for navigating complex water-related risks.
For more on our Water Security Pillar, check out our FAQ.
