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:

1. Measurement
2. Governance and management
3. Stakeholder engagement
4. 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.

For more information on this see here.