Sustainable Development Goal 6 advocates “ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” In recognition of the need for successful corporate water stewardship to encompass sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access for workers in company supply chains, this report offers steps for companies to take to help end the global water and sanitation crisis and protect against business risk. It shows that corporate action on WASH can drive improved access for vulnerable communities and improved economic and social development, while also mitigating companies’ socio-economic water risks. Furthermore, significant potential for progressive action on WASH through corporate supply chains exists.

This report recognizes the need for successful corporate water stewardship to encompass sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for workers in company supply chains, and offers steps for companies to take to help end the global water and sanitation crisis. 

The report outlines steps companies can take to improve WASH in their supply chains:

• Sign and implement the WBCSD WASH at the workplace pledge ensuring that all employees in direct operations have access to safe WASH while at work.

• Broaden and deepen employee and company understanding about WASH by providing them with the International Labour Organization’s WASH@Work Self-training handbook.

• Update supplier codes; a draft set of criteria for optimal water, sanitation, and hygiene provision in supply chains is available for pilot testing by companies.

• Contribute to strengthening the business case for WASH by offering opportunities for evidence-gathering from their operations and projects.

• Learn about and engage in the WASH4Work initiative, working with a group of agencies, companies, and development partners to address the WASH challenge.

Case Study: Diageo
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Case Study: Gap Inc.
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Case Study: Nestle
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Corporate Engagement on Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene: Driving Progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) Through Supply-Chains and Voluntary Standards
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