"Water for Business: Initiatives Guiding Sustainable Water Management in the Private Sector", jointly developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identifies 16 initiatives or tools, driven by business leaders, civil society and governments, which have emerged since 2006. (updated March 2010)

The relationship between land use and climate change is highlighted in corporate case studies included in a new report, entitled “ Tackling climate change on the ground”, released by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

This working document provides an overview of some basic facts and societal challenges related to water. It has been developed by the WBCSD secretariat and is intended to support the ongoing dialogue within the WBCSD membership and with other stakeholders in civil society and government.

The report, Water, Energy and Climate Change: A contribution from the business community, says water, energy and climate change are inextricably linked.

Sanitation is such a huge and global issue that the private sector has a responsibility to be part of the solution. A lack of sanitation has an economic impact on business through reduced work time, productive capacity and purchasing power due to disease. Providing access to improved sanitation is good business. The estimated economic return from improved sanitation is about US$ 10 for every US$ 1 invested. Companies are already making a positive contribution.

This flyer gives an overview of the WBCSD's Global Water Tool, a free and easy-to-use tool for companies and organizations to map their water use and assess risks relative to their global operations and supply chains.

The WBCSD’s Global Water Tool, launched at World Water Week 2007 in Stockholm, is a free and easy-to-use tool for companies and organizations to map their water use and assess risks relative to their global operations and supply chains.

The H2O scenarios offer three stories about the role of business in relation to the growing issue of water in the world. These stories do not try to cover everything but attempt to bring to life a limited number of alternative future environments that will challenge our economic viability, social legitimacy, and global fitness in the marketplace.

The sustainable management of water makes an important contribution to the achievement of social and economic development. This can only be done through all sectors working closely together. The "Collaborative Actions" presented in this document identify steps that business can take, in interaction with other stakeholders, to ensure sustainable water management.

"Scarce, cheap, and wasted. In too many places water is a triple paradox," says this updated WBCSD paper on water, which was originally prepared for the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in April 2004. Its message is straightforward: with no water there can be no business.