CERES – Aqua Gauge
Launched in 2011, the Aqua Gauge is the outcome of a collaboration between Ceres, WBCSD, Irbaris and the IRRC Institute. It provides a framework and methodology for companies to engage with institutional investors on water risk and opportunity management. It is also a resource to inform companies of their shareholders disclosure needs.
Backed by investors managing over $2 trillion in assets, the framework was the result of a wide consultation involving representatives from over 50 financial institutions, companies, conservation groups, and other organizations active on water-related issues.
What is it?
Aqua Gauge is an Excel-based tool and associated methodology that provides companies with a picture of leading practice in water management, and a means to assess their own performance and progress. Leading practices are defined and grouped around four broad types of activity:
- Measurement
- Governance and management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Disclosure
Who is it for?
- Corporations in water-intensive sectors seeking to engage the investment community and to develop more robust water management strategies.
- Portfolio managers and analysts seeking to better understand and mitigate potential exposure to water-related risks in their equity portfolios.
- Corporate governance specialists at pension funds and asset management firms interested in engaging portfolio companies on how they are managing water-related risks and opportunities.
- Investment advisors that provide services to asset owners seeking to integrate consideration of water and other sustainability risks and opportunities into their investment strategies.
- Financial & ESG data providers interested in providing their clients with more robust analytics related to corporate management of water risks and opportunities.
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