By Greg Lukasik, SVP & CEO, Ecolab Southeast Asia
In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, Ecolab leads proactive water resilience efforts. At the recent 4th Annual Economist Sustainability Week Asia, I shared how Ecolab’s innovations are reshaping water sustainability in industries worldwide. This article delves into the key points from my presentation, highlighting Ecolab’s impactful initiatives and the critical role of integrated water strategies.
Ecolab: A Global Sustainability Leader
Ecolab, a 100-year-old company, has established itself as a global leader in sustainability. With 50,000 associates operating across 40 industries in 170 countries, Ecolab is highly innovation-driven, employing over 1,600 scientists and 1,200 digital experts. Our mission is to provide water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions that protect people and the resources vital to life. We manage over 4 billion cubic metres of water annually across thousands of customer sites, impacting more than half of Singapore’s industrial water, and working with 22% of the world’s power generation.
The Water-Energy Nexus
One of the critical aspects of water management is its interdependence with energy. 
Water processes are energy-intensive, accounting for up to 75% of energy use in manufacturing. This interdependence, known as the water-energy nexus, underscores the importance of sustainable water management. As the United Nations projects a 400% increase in global manufacturing demand for water from 2000 to 2050, the need for efficient water management becomes even more pressing.
Ecolab’s approach to addressing this challenge involves leveraging technology and innovation to optimise water and energy use. For instance, our 3D TRASAR Water Quality Intelligence (WQI) technology, already operating across thousands of customer sites, enhances visibility, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. This technology allows us to track actions and progress on water goals, ensuring our customers meet their cost and sustainability targets.
Technological Innovations and Case Studies
Ecolab’s commitment to sustainability is evident in our technological innovations and the successful implementation of these technologies across various industries. Here are some notable case studies:
- Nestlé Thailand: At Nestlé’s eight sites in Thailand, we leverage historic and real-time data for continuous improvement. This collaboration provides Nestlé’s Thailand head office with visibility, benchmarking, and speed to action, facilitating joint meetings between Nestlé and Ecolab to drive further improvements. · Nestlé Australia: In Australia, we developed solutions to collect and repurpose retort water, a by-product of the sterilization process used in the food and beverage industry. This initiative saves 29,000 cubic metres of water annually, equivalent to 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- Hotel Global Chain company: The tourism industry faces significant pressure to achieve ambitious water and sustainability goals. Besides the work we do on water utilities leveraging our 3D TRASAR technology across hundreds of sites, our collaboration with this global hotel chain involves implementing a low-temperature laundry programme.
These initiatives reduced water consumption by up to 10%, resulting in annual savings of 3 million cubic metres of water alongside energy savings. · SCGP: In the paper manufacturing sector, we work with SCGP to implement innovative solutions and chemistry in the mixing and production process. This collaboration results in water savings, demonstrating the impact of our technologies in water-intensive industries.
- Data Centre in Singapore: Data centres are under growing pressure to manage energy and water use efficiently due to the exponential demand for data processing and AI. At a data centre in Singapore, we implemented a reverse osmosis-based water programme and chemistry designed to purify cooling water for reuse. This initiative conserved 29,500 cubic metres of water annually and achieved substantial energy savings. · Shell Singapore: Shell aims to reduce fresh-water consumption by 15% by 2025. Our collaboration involved designing a water recycling facility and tackling water effluent quality with chemistry. This project saves up to 300,000 cubic metres of water annually and half a million kilowatt-hours of energy annually.
Key Takeaways for Industry and Government Leaders
The case studies presented highlight the importance of integrated water strategies and digital solutions in achieving sustainability goals. Here are the key takeaways for industry and government leaders:
- Water-Energy Nexus: Understanding the linkage between water and energy is critical. Efficient water management can lead to significant reductions in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption.
- Integrated Approaches: Adopting integrated and holistic approaches to water management, leveraging digital and AI solutions, is essential for long-term sustainability. These approaches help protect assets, reduce operating costs, and meet local regulations and sustainability goals.
- Cost Savings: Effective sustainability actions can lead to substantial cost savings. For instance, lowering the temperature of the laundry process in hotels can save 20% energy and 10% water, resulting in massive savings globally.
- Measurement and Management: You cannot manage what you do not measure. Setting realistic targets and utilising readily available technology is crucial for effective water management.
- Water Resilience: Industry and government must take responsibility for driving actions to reduce, reuse, and repurpose water to address the growing water crisis. Collaboration between these sectors is vital for achieving water resilience.
Conclusion
Ecolab’s proactive actions towards water resilience demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and our ability to make a positive impact across various industries. By leveraging technological innovations and fostering collaboration between industry and government, we can address the growing water crisis and ensure a sustainable future for our planet and communities. Through innovation and collaboration, we can secure a water-resilient future for all.
