Manila Water, an industry pioneer in sustainability practices, has released the first series of its medium-term sustainability goals that outlines its progress and plans on embedding Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) into their business strategies. The ESG goals highlight Manila Water’s belief that long-term viability is dependent on management of environmental impacts and commitment to improve social outcomes in the communities it serves.

"We have re-imagined the company with new purpose, vision and mission. We are drawing on our heritage as an industry pioneer in sustainability practices and reporting to further focus on and embed ESG into our business strategies," says Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios. “This very same foundation will continue to support us as we aim for greater and better things, and as we pursue our vision to become a global leader in providing quality water and environmental services, supportive of sustainable development,” adds de Dios.

As Manila Water celebrates 25 years in the business, the company’s strategy includes mid-term targets set to be achieved by 2025. These are:

• To reduce and avoid scopes 1 and 2 carbon emission by 60% through renewable energy and wastewater treatment
• To build infrastructures to satisfy service commitments and improvements
• To ensure water access and security by allocating at least 15% supply buffer from expansion and additional raw water sources

Manila Water has already made headway with these targets, specifically on using green or renewable energy (RE). In 2021, the company utilized 13.8 million kilowatt hours (kwh) of renewable energy using onsite solar panels and purchasing RE from Open Access. In addition to forging progress towards its environmental goal, the company formed its ESG Committee at the board level earlier this year. The CEO-led committee exercises oversight to ensure that sustainability remains entrenched in the company’s strategy, provides purpose to the day-to-day work of over 2,000 Manila Water employees, and extends to quality water and wastewater service globally.

Manila Water’s sustainability highlights, including its comprehensive business performance in 2021, is available to view at https://reports.manilawater.com/2021/.