Manila Water named among world’s climate smart utilities

MANILA, Philippines — Razon-led Manila Water Co. Inc. was named as among the world’s climate smart utilities in the inaugural Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Program of the International Water Association (IWA).

A total of 42 climate smart utilities across the world were honored at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition held recently in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Manila Water is the first water utility company in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia to be recognized in the program.

Sarah Bergado, Manila Water’s sustainability head, highlighted the company’s climate actions in a workshop session on exploring framework conditions for utilities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“It is imperative for Manila Water to adapt first to climate change because it is here, and its impacts are already felt. Now that a certain level of stability is achieved, then it is time to double our efforts to contribute to mitigating climate change impact through energy efficiency, renewable energy transition, NRW (non-revenue water) reduction, watershed management and wastewater treatment expansion,” she said.

Manila Water claimed it is among the first companies in the country to adopt a climate change policy as part of its commitment to climate action.

The company’s GI-IG emission reduction programs include its transition to renewable energy (RE) wherein a four percent reduction was realized last year compared to 2020 through onsite solar power generation and RE purchase.

For climate change adaptation, Manila Water addresses raw water quality risk through Nature-Based Solutions, with 2,459 hectares of watershed areas reforested with 1.2 million native trees planted since 2006.

The Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Program aims to inspire utilities and all their stakeholders to embrace climate resilience under three key pillars for action – climate adaptation, mitigation, and leadership.