Sustainability champion for water

Sustainability can be a hard idea to wrap your head around because it’s so broad. So here are two ways we want to think about it at Xylem: first, we have a global definition - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs; and second, we have a business definition - generating shareholder value by controlling risks and capitalising on opportunities associated with environmental and socioeconomic issues.

There are also ways we don’t want to define it. It’s not an exercise in compliance. It’s not a ‘green’ initiative designed to appeal to a select few. It’s not an extra task or something we do in addition to our regular work. And it’s not the latest and greatest idea that will fade away in the near future.

Xylem is a pure-play water technology company, and our simple vision of advancing the smarter use of water and looking to a future where global water issues do not exist means that sustainability needs to be integrated into everything we do.

One of CEO Gretchen McClain’s goals for Xylem - advancing a sustainable environment - is a clear indication of her support. My appointment as Sustainability Champion is another indication of top-level management support, but clearly our commitment doesn’t end there.

Our effort in sustainability - similar to any significant efforts in a corporation - also requires bottom-up actions. Xylem’s true commitment will be seen in the excellent work that will be done by the entire organisation.

The commitment to sustainability at Xylem is already great, but we are truly at the beginning of our sustainability journey.

We have already completed a gap analysis between our current programs and best practices in sustainability. Recently, we formed a Xylem Sustainability Steering Committee that is now reviewing these gaps and developing a five-year action plan based on specific gaps which have the highest priority for Xylem.

That plan will be our roadmap for becoming a leader in sustainability, and broad participation will drive our success. So we will create action teams - with employees from multiple value centres and functions - to target these specific areas across the company and determine ways we can collaborate across businesses and geographies.

There are no ifs about it - fully committing to our sustainability journey is the only option. All of our stakeholders expect that level of commitment.

With our new Essence of Life business model, Xylem is creating affordable, simple water solutions for small plot farmers and rural customers in emerging markets. We have helped modernise a vegetable-washing operation in South Australia using our water recycling system, which was developed by our Residential & Commercial Water business. The system at the plant is largely self-sustaining and can recirculate over 60,000 L of water throughout the plant.

When we are fully committed, we will:

• Find ways to include our suppliers in our overall sustainability efforts.
• Advance our new product development process with the goal of increasing focus on sustainable solutions through innovation.
• Run all our facilities in the most sustainable ways possible.
• Raise public awareness of water issues, be an advocate for regulations and practices that drive water sustainability, and do more external, transparent reporting to tell the world our sustainability story.

There’s no doubt in my mind that we will do it. I have been in the business of analysing water for nearly 25 years and have been involved in program after program that had elements of sustainability. But Xylem’s focus and commitment are different and deeper. We are making sustainability part of who and what we are as a company. It is a key part of Xylem’s strategy and a critical component of our future success.

*Chris McIntire is President of Xylem’s Analytics value centre which delivers equipment for measurement for water and wastewater, environmental, medical, industrial, and food and beverage applications. A graduate of Northeastern University where he earned an MBA, he has attended both Boston University and Northeastern University’s engineering programs. In 2012, Xylem created a new position - Sustainability Champion - and he was chosen to fill this vital role.