Xylem Inc.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2016)
Reporting Period: 2016
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Water Quality
- Climate Change
- Environmental Remediation
- Sustainable Development
Environmental Achievements
- Developed and applied a basin-wide integrated biophysical model to simulate critical coastal processes and predict the effects on land change in Louisiana.
- Supported the EPA's cleanup efforts following the Gold King Mine spill, restoring river contaminant levels to pre-spill conditions within weeks.
- Developed and implemented real-time water quality monitoring systems in various locations, including Clam Bayou, Lake Mead, and the Gulf Coast, providing valuable data for water management decisions.
Social Achievements
- Partnered with Waterkeeper Alliance to train communities in the Himalayas on water quality monitoring, empowering them to protect their water resources.
- Supported restoration projects in coastal Louisiana, protecting valuable assets and the communities they support.
- Engaged youth through Earth Force programs, developing their skills and motivation to solve environmental problems.
Governance Achievements
- Collaborated with various governmental agencies, businesses, and industry interests to promote sustainable infrastructure and ecosystem management.
- Adhered to GSAS and LEED standards for sustainable building development in Lusail City, Qatar.
- Implemented a feedback loop in Lusail City's dredging project, allowing for real-time adjustments to minimize environmental impact.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Wetland loss in coastal Louisiana at an alarming rate.
- Lingering effects of environmental disasters, such as the Deepwater Horizon spill and the Gold King Mine incident.
- Challenges in securing funding for continuous ecosystem monitoring.
- Rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers due to climate change.
- Pollution of waterways in Bhutan due to increased imports and unsustainable practices.
- High levels of nitrates and other nutrients flowing into the aquifer near Silver Springs, Florida.
- Invasive plants and algae affecting the water quality of Silver Springs.
- Complex bathymetry and dense aquatic vegetation in the Silver River, making flow measurements challenging.
- Inconsistencies in ORP measurements due to sensor contamination and low concentrations of redox-active species.
Mitigation Strategies
- Developed basin-wide integrated biophysical model for coastal restoration in Louisiana.
- Implemented extensive remediation efforts following the Gold King Mine spill.
- Developed real-time monitoring systems for early detection of pollution and improved water management.
- Partnered with Waterkeeper Alliance to train communities in water quality monitoring.
- Implemented sustainable development practices in Lusail City, Qatar.
- Initiated comprehensive springs research effort and implemented restoration projects in Silver Springs, Florida.
- Developed lightweight PVC frame for RiverSurveyor M9 to navigate dense vegetation.
- Emphasized periodic maintenance of ORP sensors to improve consistency and accuracy.
- Utilized historical data to assess the validity of ORP measurements.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Sea level rise
- Extreme weather events
- Glacial lake outburst floods
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GSAS, LEED
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Xylem's initiatives contribute to these goals through water quality monitoring, environmental remediation, and sustainable development practices.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- YSI EXO sondes
- SonTek RiverSurveyor M9
- Aanderaa SeaGuard instruments