Eaton – Reducing water consumption
Water use has been increasing worldwide for a long time, driven by a combination of population growth, socio-economic development and changing consumption patterns. Since the global water demand continues to grow Eaton wants to continue to reduce their water consumption, partly with responsible water practice implementation.
Purpose
As global demand for water grows, Eaton wants to continue to reduce its water consumption and implement responsible water practices. The company’s processes are not particularly water-intensive, but water is still critical to many of its operations. Furthermore, as water stress becomes more pronounced in areas in which Eaton operates, this will continue to be an area of focus for the company.
Results
Since 2018, Eaton has reduced its water consumption by more than 1,160 megalitres. Eaton’s annual percentage reduction in water use in 2020 was 18 percent. Eaton is on its way to certify 10 percent of its manufacturing sites as zero water discharge.
Implementation
Eaton has set annual water reduction goals, and to meet them, the company is focusing on its largest water users and areas of high water stress. On an annual basis, the company evaluates its water use management practices, measures its results and reports across its facilities. In 2020, Eaton reduced water consumption by 18% compared to the previous year. This is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic but also due to increasing efficiencies at its plants. The company measures purchased water, groundwater, surface water withdrawals and rainwater used from all sites within its reporting boundary. Sites measure this data via water meters and enter this data monthly into company’s EHS database.
