Create clean water access one filter at a time
Create clean water access one filter at a time
According to the World Bank, at least 663 million people lack access to safe drinking water. So it comes as no surprise that ‘availability’ and sustainable management of water’ is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6).
Access to water impacts others SDGs too, according to the World bank: those that focus on education, job creation, liveable cities, human development, climate change, food and energy security.
At the launch of the SDG agenda, it was clear that partnering with the private sector is paramount to success in achieving the Global Goals. So important that even a specific partnerships goal was developed (SDG17).
But many businesses struggle with the implementation of a strategy that helps contribute towards the SDGs, as a 2015 report by accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers confirms.
One unique opportunity for the private sector to help contribute towards the water SDG6 lies in the carbon financing of water purifiers. The production and distribution of water purifiers is taking place at different locations in SE Asia, but needs business support to sell to populations at low, affordable prices.
The dissemination of water purifiers to remote areas in developing countries not only ensures access to clean drinking water for entire families, but also has additional positive effects.
By using water filters, people no longer need to rely on boiling water to make it safe to drink. This results in a reduction of wood use as a fuel source, which means less deforestation and less greenhouse gas emissions. Inhaling less smoke in turn results in fewer cases of respiratory diseases. People benefit from time savings by not having to go out to collect wood anymore – time that can be invested in other more profitable activities.
When supporting these type of low carbon projects, businesses can voluntarily decrease their negative impact on the environment by compensating their footprint with carbon credits, while at the same time creating inclusive development.
More information?
Would you like to know more about the water SDGs and how your business can increase its impact? Are you interested in carbon compensation or neutrality? Please contact our Partnerships Manager Justin Bergendahl.
Nexus’ low-carbon water purifier projects
Nexus supports various Water Purifier Projects in Asia.All projects’ carbon credits are monitored and issued by one of the highest worldwide quality carbon standard: the Gold Standard. Learn more about our Quality Assurance here.
- Hydrologic
Hydrologic is a Cambodian social enterprise, with the goal of creating access to clean water for everyone through locally-made, ceramic water purifiers. Hydrologic’s water purifiers make a profound difference in the hands of those who need it most. - TerraClear
TerraClear, a social enterprise based in Laos, has set out to improve access to clean water with their ceramic water purifiers. Creative strategies and community focused education are allowing TerraClear to change lives a few litres at a time - Nazava
Nazava Water Filters wants everyone, everywhere, to have access to safe and affordable drinking water. The social business, based in Java and Sumatra in Indonesia, has already reached over 250,000 people with its water purifier technology.