EXPO 2015, with its major theme 'Feeding the planet, Energy for life', explored the main environmental challenges to guarantee the future of healthy, safe and adequate food and energy for everyone, while respecting the planet and its equilibrium. Dow Water & Process Solutions, a global leader in sustainable water separation and purification technologies - a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: Dow) -, showcased a video underlining the importance of water to ensure essential resources and a sustainable future for citizens and companies alike.
The EXPO also stressed that water use has increased at more than twice the rate of the earth's population growth in the last century, which by 2045 is set to reach 9 billion. Taking into account that the world will require 30% more water and 45% more energy by 2030, it is clear the importance of adopting measures to minimize water and energy usage.
In fact, water and energy are closely related as one is necessary to create the other and vice versa. This water-energy nexus is one of the most compelling societal challenges to be resolved and, if not managed efficiently in a way optimizing their production, could diminish efforts to ensure a stable supply of both.
This relationship increases strains on these valuable resources and have repercussions on economic and business development. In arid areas such as southern Europe, efficient and sustainable water management becomes even more important from a business perspective. It is no coincidence that in the last three years companies spent more than $84 billion worldwide to improve water management efficiency.
Businesses that have already introduced strategies to improve water efficiency are reporting up to 40%reduced costs as a result. Smart water treatments will allow pioneering companies not only to be able to reduce the risk from water stress, but also to achieve cost savings and an increased bottom line. For instance, elements like DOW FILMTEC™ECO, which operate with enhanced Reverse Osmosis technology, use up to 30% less energy and minimize operating costs. Nowadays, as many businesses start to recognize the intrinsic value of water beyond its monetary price, it became clearer that in an increasingly thirsty world, water means business.
