Corporate social responsibility is an institutional framework and commitment of the Nestle Corporation (Nestle). A multifaceted approach by Nestle with respect to water conservation practices is evidenced by their internal policies, involvement in the public sphere and water management practices.

Nestle produces bottled water along with other food products. To sustain both business enterprises, the corporation must implement water management practices and oversight. The goal of Nestle is to produce quality food products while decreasing their environmental and water footprint. So how does a major corporation like Nestle accomplish such a noble endeavor?

Water conservation and management is an integral part of ensuring future end profits for Nestle. Hence, investing in environmentally friendly business practices is essentially investing in their future success as a company.

Some experts suggest that a global water crisis could lead to a global food crisis if immediate action isn’t taken to conserve water and the environment. A crisis of this magnitude would devastate the global marketplace and negatively impact companies like Nestle that rely on agricultural and natural resources for production.

Recently, Nestle released their 2009 progress report that details their reduction of wastewater release into the environment and overall water consumption has decreased since their 2008 report.

This decrease may be attributable to the global economic crisis that has impacted sales and consumers the world over. Yet, the decrease may also be explained by Nestlé’s Water Resource Review Program (WRRP).

The WWRP le is comprised of several areas for addressing water management practices of the corporation. Efforts of the WWRP include an initiative to monitor water quality, water quantity, regulation compliance with local and state governments where the corporation operates, and site protection of Nestle facilities.

This stratified program represents a joint effort to decrease their water foot print, remain environmentally friendly, and maintain product quality.

 To date, Nestle has conducted surveys of 65 water sites, representing more than half of their bottled water facilities. The WRRP will work in tandem with Nestlé’s food factories to indentify issues in water management practices and to develop sound solutions for sustainable water use.

Nestle operates the WRRP based on a Water Stress Index (WSI), a measure that calculates factors such as water poverty, water stress and other indicators of water misuse.

For a comprehensive approach to corporate stewardship and social responsibility, Nestle works in the public policy sphere to promote sustainable water solutions for the future. Nestle is involved in the CEO Water Mandate , a strategic framework developed by the United Nations to coordinate systems of water management between businesses and the international community. Also, Nestle advocates for a rebalancing of the environmental scales with respect to water consumed on a daily basis to the amount of naturally replenishing water sources available.

The Nestle Corporation is constantly improving and expanding their policies in water sustainability and monitoring practices. Their work in the public sphere and consistent improvement in water management offers a role model for other corporations who depend upon natural resources for their products.

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