Mueller Water Products, Inc.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020-10 to 2021-09, 2021-10-01 to 2022-09-30, 2022-10 to 2023-09, 2024)
Reporting Period: 2020-10 to 2021-09
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Management
- Social Stewardship
- Corporate Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced energy consumption intensity by 10% in 2021 over 2020, exceeding the goal of a 3% reduction.
- Reduced total GHG emissions intensity by 15% over 2020.
- Reduced total water withdrawal intensity by 15% in 2021 over 2020.
- Diverted approximately 2,173 metric tons (10.6%) of waste from disposal through recycling and energy recovery.
Social Achievements
- Launched Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council in June 2021.
- Conducted pay equity analysis in 2021 and rectified any anomalies.
- Introduced a new flexible work arrangements policy in 2021.
- Expanded parental leave policy in 2020.
- Launched new plan features to 401(k) plans in 2021.
Governance Achievements
- Conducted first formal materiality assessment in 2021.
- Refreshed Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in 2019.
- Implemented a global compliance program.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Set science-based targets by 2023.
- Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions intensity by 50% by 2035.
- Reduce water withdrawal intensity by 3% year-over-year.
- Achieve zero waste to landfills by 2035.
- Convert all brass products to lead-free alloy by 2030.
- Achieve 100% lead-free manufacturing processes by 2030.
- Achieve a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of zero by 2025.
- Improve employee engagement in Virgin Pulse Wellness Program by 5% YOY.
- Implement regrettable turnover targets in 2022.
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic.
- Aging equipment at Decatur facilities causing increased water withdrawal.
- Two workplace tragedies (mass shootings) at Albertville, Alabama and Aurora, Illinois facilities.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented a communication process involving multiple levels of the organization and engagement to suppliers.
- Working on identifying equipment that needs to be replaced or retrofitted at Decatur facilities.
- Established the Albertville Survivors’ Fund to support victims and their families.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Over 85% of purchasing spend evaluated through a multi-dimensional supply chain risk scorecard.
Responsible Procurement
- Mueller Supplier Code of Conduct
- Conflict minerals due diligence
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Disruptive weather patterns
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, UN SDGs, SASB
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 (i2O business), ISO 45001 (in process)
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- EchoShore leak detection technology
- HYMAX pipe repair products
- Mi.Net AMI system
- Sentryx water intelligence platform
Awards & Recognition
- Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star site (Albertville facility)
- Safe Year Award (Decatur foundry)
Reporting Period: 2021-10-01 to 2022-09-30
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Emissions
- Energy
- Water
- Waste
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Employee Health and Safety
- Community Engagement
- Ethics and Compliance
- Product Sustainability
- Supply Chain Management
- Human Rights
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity by 51% against a 2015 baseline (17% year-over-year decrease compared to 2021)
- Used 56,925 metric tons of recycled metal vs. 22,644 metric tons of total waste generated, resulting in a net negative waste production
- Decreased total landfill waste by approximately 21% compared to 2021
- Helped clients save an estimated 2.8 billion gallons of water loss since 2020 (1.3 billion gallons in 2022 alone)
Social Achievements
- Expanded diversity, equity and inclusion programs
- Implemented initiatives to improve employee safety and health
- Maintained 63% participation rate in Wellness Program
- U.S. internal promotion rate of 26%
Governance Achievements
- Maintained strong corporate governance programs
- Tied 10% of executive bonuses to ESG metrics
- No material incidents of non-compliance with laws or regulations
Climate Goals & Targets
- Achieve zero waste to landfills by 2035
- Identify a total of 7.7 billion gallons of water loss from EchoShore leak detection technology between 2020 and 2027
- Further reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions intensity by 50% by 2035 (2022 baseline)
- Reduce water withdrawal intensity by 3% year-over-year
- Achieve 100% lead-free brass manufacturing processes by 2030
- Improve employee engagement in Wellness Program by 5% by end of 2023
- Implement regrettable turnover targets in 2023
Environmental Challenges
- Rising inflation and unprecedented supply chain constraints
- Impacts of climate change on weather patterns
- Did not decrease water intensity by 3% year-over-year due to new chiller installation and equipment leaks
- Increased TRIR in 2022 compared to 2021
Mitigation Strategies
- Focused on ESG priorities and tracked additional ESG metrics
- Set a new emissions target and plan to submit commitment letter to SBTi
- Plan to address water intensity issues in 2023
- Reassessed and expanded employee onboarding process and launched a hand safety campaign
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Due diligence and on-site audits of high-risk suppliers
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct detailing expectations on safety, anti-corruption, environmental protection, labor and human rights, trade and legal compliance, conflict minerals, and confidentiality
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
- Impacts to product lifespan and durability
Transition Risks
- Legislative and regulatory initiatives to limit GHG emissions
- Shifts in federal funding priorities
- Need to adjust products and services to remain competitive
- Economic uncertainty impacting supply chains and demand
Opportunities
- Development of products and services that help customers mitigate water-related climate risks
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD
Certifications: ISO 14001 (i2O business), ISO 45001
Third-party Assurance: Internal audit
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Mueller's products and services contribute to these goals by providing solutions for water transmission, distribution, and measurement; supporting sustainable infrastructure; and helping cities and municipalities deliver water efficiently and sustainably.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Lead-free brass alloy (C87850)
- Improved leak detection technology using AI and machine learning
Awards & Recognition
- Not disclosed
Reporting Period: 2022-10 to 2023-09
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Water Stewardship
- Waste Reduction
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Employee Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Ethics and Compliance
- Product Quality and Safety
- Community Involvement
Environmental Achievements
- ~3% year-over-year reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity compared with 2022
- ~90% recycled metal used to produce products
- 15%+ year-over-year decrease in waste directed to disposal
- 5.8 billion estimated gallons of water loss savings generated for clients by EchoShore® leak detection since 2020
Social Achievements
- 4% increase in Wellness Program participation, reaching 67%
- More than 48,000 hours of employee training completed
- 76% Employee Survey Engagement Score
Governance Achievements
- 100% employee completion of Code of Business Conduct and Ethics training
- MSCI upgraded Mueller to its highest ESG rating of AAA
Climate Goals & Targets
- Achieve zero waste to landfills by 2035
- Identify a total of 7.7 billion gallons of water loss from EchoShore® leak detection technology between 2020 and 2027
- Reduce scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions intensity by 50% by 2035
- Reduce water withdrawal intensity by 3% year-over-year
- Convert all brass products to a lead-free alloy by 2030
- Improve employee engagement score to 80% by 2026
Environmental Challenges
- Increased water withdrawal intensity in 2023 due to the addition of distribution centers and the new brass foundry
- Need to analyze scope 3 emissions
- Cybersecurity incident impacting certain parts of its operational and information technology systems (post fiscal year close)
Mitigation Strategies
- Implementing emissions reduction initiatives (replacing inefficient equipment, eliminating air-line leaks, installing LED lighting)
- Developing products that support the distribution of safe and clean water, help control and mitigate non-revenue water loss, and provide critical information to water utilities and consumers
- Enhancing sustainable practices throughout the supply chain
- Implementing a risk management software solution and business continuity plans
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Regular supplier audits for all suppliers with a master service agreement
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
- Impacts to product lifespan and durability
Transition Risks
- Policy and legal changes
- Market shifts
- Changes in federal funding priorities
- Need to adjust products and services
Opportunities
- Development of products that help customers reduce water loss, detect leaks, and lower emissions
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD
Certifications: ISO 9001 (all manufacturing facilities), ISO 14001 (Southampton facility)
Third-party Assurance: Internal Audit department
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
- Goal 13 (Climate Action)
Mueller's products and solutions contribute to these goals by providing safe and efficient water transport, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and reducing GHG emissions
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- EchoShore® leak detection solution
- Lead-free brass alloy for valves and fittings
Awards & Recognition
- Not disclosed
Reporting Period: 2024
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Published fourth annual ESG Report, disclosing an approximate 3% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity between 2022 and 2023 and a +15% decrease in waste directed to disposal compared to 2022.
Social Achievements
- Launched a frontline leadership training program; drove a culture of inclusion through employee-led councils and involvement with Women in Manufacturing; awarded the first annual Mueller HBCU Scholarship; conducted a robust employee engagement survey process with year-over-year increases in both participation and engagement.
Governance Achievements
- Continued to advance board refreshment plans by adding two highly accomplished directors; adopted tenure/age-based guidelines for continuing membership on our Board; MSCI ESG Research LLC upgraded Mueller’s ESG practices to its highest level of AAA.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Not disclosed
- Not disclosed
- Not disclosed
Environmental Challenges
- Not disclosed
Mitigation Strategies
- Not disclosed
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- Not disclosed
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Not disclosed
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, UN Sustainable Development Goals, TCFD
Certifications: Null
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
enhanced global disclosure alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Not disclosed
Awards & Recognition
- AAA ESG Rating from MSCI