IWA recognizes Manila Water as Climate Smart Utility during world congress

Manila Water Sustainability Head Sarah Bergado receiving the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the company from Carlos Diaz, Strategic Programmes and Engagement Manager of the International Water Association or IWA.

MAILA, Philippines — The International Water Association (IWA) recognized Manila Water as a Climate Smart Utility in the first year of IWA’s Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Program.

With the latest acknowledgment, Manila Water is the first water utility company in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia to be recognized in this program that aims to inspire utilities and all their stakeholders to embrace climate resilience under three key pillars for action – climate adaptation, mitigation, and leadership.

Following a robust review, a total of 42 Climate Smart utilities across the world were honored during the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition, held in Copenhagen, Denmark from September 11 to 15. Manila Water’s Sustainability Head, Sarah Bergado, received the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the company.

During the world congress, Bergado also shared the company’s climate actions in a workshop session on exploring framework conditions for utilities to reduce GHG emissions.

Bergado presented Manila Water’s climate-related challenges and the strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

“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 reduction, watershed management and wastewater treatment expansion,” Bergado emphasized.

As a testament to its commitment to climate action, Manila Water is among the first companies in the country to adopt a Climate Change Policy. The company’s GHG emission reduction programs include its transition to renewable energy (RE) wherein a 4% reduction was realized in 2021 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.

These highlighted actions were also showcased in the exhibition through a poster pitch, explaining to other utility leader delegates how Manila Water is progressing in its climate ambition.

The Water Congress was attended by more than 10,000 professionals and leaders from around the world.

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