Strategic Water Stewardship for Sustainable Business
The Ecoefficiency Group helps Australian businesses implement proactive water stewardship practices that reduce risk, strengthen stakeholder trust, and demonstrate leadership in environmental management. As water availability becomes increasingly constrained, forward-thinking organisations must go beyond compliance to safeguard water resources and build operational resilience.
We support clients in integrating sustainable water practices into business strategy, supply chain engagement, and community impact. Our tailored services are grounded in local expertise and aligned with global water management frameworks.
What Is Water Stewardship?
Water stewardship is a strategic approach to water management that considers both the business’s internal use and its broader impact on surrounding ecosystems and communities. Unlike traditional water efficiency measures, water stewardship involves shared responsibility, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
It includes:
- Understanding water risks across the value chain
- Measuring water use and efficiency
- Engaging with local catchments and stakeholders
- Reducing impacts on water quality and availability
- Aligning actions with industry standards and sustainability goals
The Ecoefficiency Group helps businesses translate these principles into practical plans and measurable outcomes.
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Practical Frameworks for Stewardship
We guide organisations through the process of assessing, planning, and implementing water stewardship frameworks that support business goals and environmental performance.
Key services include:
- Site-level water assessments
- Mapping of water use and source dependency
- Stakeholder engagement planning
- Risk identification for availability, quality, and regulation
- Development of water targets and performance metrics
- Alignment with frameworks such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)
Whether you’re preparing for certification or integrating water stewardship into broader ESG initiatives, we ensure your efforts are evidence-based and aligned with best practice. An example of our work is the Water Stewardship Guidelines for Red Meat Processors.
International Water Stewardship Standard
Water stewardship is increasingly linked to industry leading practice and social license to operate. Our consultants assist businesses in identifying catchment-specific pressures that affect water use and public reputation.
Using the International Water Stewardship Standard we provide guidance and help bring together information relevant to your location on:
- Water governance
- Water balance
- Water quality status
- Identifying important water-related areas
- Water sanitation and hygiene
This proactive approach reduces exposure to fines, community conflict, and resource disruptions.
Benefits of Responsible Water Management
Implementing a water stewardship approach can deliver a wide range of business benefits, including:
- Improved operational resilience in times of water scarcity
- Enhanced relationships with regulators and local stakeholders
- Stronger ESG performance and investor confidence
- Reduced risk of supply chain disruptions or public scrutiny
- Clear alignment with global climate and sustainability goals
By working with The Ecoefficiency Group, your business demonstrates its commitment to responsible resource use and sustainable value creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is water stewardship and why is it important?Water stewardship is the responsible use and management of water in ways that are socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial. It goes beyond internal efficiency to include community and environmental impact.
- How does water stewardship differ from water efficiency?Water efficiency focuses on reducing usage within a business. Water stewardship looks at the bigger picture — including supply chains, catchment health, and stakeholder expectations.
- Who needs to consider water stewardship?Any organisation that relies on water — whether for operations, supply chains, or product development — can benefit. It is especially relevant for high-use industries or those operating in water-stressed areas.
- Can The Ecoefficiency Group support certification under water stewardship standards?Yes. We assist with readiness assessments, stakeholder planning, data collection, and system integration aligned with AWS and other frameworks.
- Is water stewardship part of ESG reporting?It can be. We help clients include water risk and stewardship in ESG reports, especially for stakeholders seeking transparency in natural resource management.
- Do your services help with planning or regulatory obligations?Yes. Our water stewardship services support planning approvals, compliance with local water policies, and preparation for climate and resource disclosures.
- Where are you located? What areas do you service?The Ecoefficiency Group is located in Brisbane in South East Queensland but we provide services to all of Queensland, Australia and internationally.