Business Surveys

The results of this year's BSR/GlobeScan State of Sustainable Business Survey remind us of the need for business to redefine the sustainability agenda and lead in today's dynamic environment.

Many water leaders face a conundrum – they know massive system investments are needed, but have a steep hill to climb to gain necessary approvals and rate recovery for such investments. Stand-alone, multimillion dollar technology programs often take a back seat to repairing and replacing aging distribution system assets.

Companies that follow GRI’s sustainability reporting framework provide higher quality disclosures than those that don’t, according to a recent study by US-based consulting firm. High quality data leads to better decision making by the company, investors and other stakeholders, which can help drive both the bottom line and sustainable development.

Utilities throughout the Asia Pacific region are investing in advanced stormwater management strategies to improve resource resilience and overall water sustainability.

Among the most notable findings from this year’s Strategic Directions: Water Industry Report is the velocity of planning throughout the industry for implementing more advanced operational technologies, such as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and enterprise asset management. More than 30 percent of utilities have indicated plans to implement these technologies, indicating the industry’s evolution and response to perennial issues of tightening budgets, rising costs and providing enhanced customer service.

The study found that two in three Americans (66 percent) believe their own community’s clean drinking water is at risk, while 59 percent say a major overhaul of U.S. water infrastructure is needed to avoid that possibility. City-dwellers are especially likely to fear their community’s clean drinking water is at risk (70 percent versus 63 percent in rural areas). There is almost universal agreement (96 percent) that if the United States does not proactively invest in the country’s water infrastructure system now, it will end up costing more in the long run.

This year’s Strategic Directions: Water Industry Report survey shows that while early adopters are making progress with implementing an “Integrated Planning Approach,” opportunity exists to implement this approach on a larger scale, across the board.

Each year, the Taproot Foundation conducts a nonprofit survey to get a pulse on the field of skilled volunteerism. Insights from last year’s survey found 95% of nonprofits reporting that pro bono service improved their organization’s effectiveness.

Each year, the Taproot Foundation conducts a nonprofit survey to get a pulse on the field of skilled volunteerism. Insights from last year’s survey found 95% of nonprofits reporting that pro bono service improved their organization’s effectiveness.

Do you work in the social sector at a nonprofit or social change organization? The Taproot Foundation wants to hear from you!