Leo Burnett – India’s foremost creative agency & AqVerium – Digital Water Bank announce the world’s 1st “Water Sustainability Score”

Solving for Water is the core agenda when it comes to sustainable development as it is at the heart of adapting to climate change. It is a finite and irreplaceable resource – only renewable, if well managed.

Thousands of litres of water are used, not only to create our favourite products, but also in the process of bringing them to our doorstep. This makes it a responsibility for people and organisations to ensure efficient, equitable and sustainable allocation of this resource. 

That’s why Leo Burnett, India’s foremost creative agency and AqVerium, the pioneering Digital Water Bank by AquaKraft Group Ventures has created a first of its kind Water Sustainability Score.

The world’s first water report card for brands – simply broken down in a 1-100 score, that talks about how water is sourced, used, wasted or recycled in the entire process of creating a product.

This initiative not only rates, but also helps brands with end-to-end solutions that help them offset their score and take stronger actions to becoming more water positive. This score is re-evaluated annually.

Adopting the Water Sustainability Score acts as a commitment from organisations to bring transparency and accountability in their efficient use of water.

Much like compliance logos such as the Cruelty free, Certified Vegan, Fairtrade, Energy Rating Label and the Recyclable symbol, this score can be displayed on the product, packaging and other corporate material through a unique symbol.

Brands from FMCG, lifestyle, electronics, automobile, construction and even airlines, everyone can use this score and show their commitment to water positivity, and give their consumers the choice of choosing a more sustainable product.

Speaking about this initiative Rajdeepak Das, CEO & CCO Leo Burnett South Asia and Chairman, Creative Council – Publicis Groupe India said “At Burnett we believe that creativity’s true power is in solving real problems of the world. The water crisis is already upon us and by adopting the Water Sustainability Score – a first of its kind report card on how water positive a brand really is can bring transparency and accountability in the indiscriminate use of water. This is not just an initiative but a true Humankind idea which has the potential to impact a billion by helping save one of the most important resources for earth – ‘water’ and take us forward to a water positive future.”

Speaking about the joint initiative, Dr. Subramanya Kusnur, Chairman & CEO of AquaKraft Group Ventures said “The water crisis is real and needs immediate action. A lot has been spoken about Climate with water clearly missing the narrative. We are thrilled to have partnered with Leo Burnett – an agency which is known for its impactful work on sustainability to not only amplify this message but take timely action towards this crisis. We already have mapped out water positive practices and getting brands to pledge towards the ‘Water Sustainability Score’ can be a game changer in water preservation. To this effect, we have onboarded Bangalore International Airport Limited on AqVerium and verified & validated the Water Audit report provided to us.  We are happy to present the first “Water Sustainability Score”, recognising & incentivising the water positivity of organisations, along with their commitment to sustainability. ”

The first brand to partner with Leo Burnett and AqVerium on this venture is the Bangalore International Airport Limited which is all set to be a recognised as a pioneer in its commitment towards water sustainability & stewardship.

The Water Sustainability Score was unveiled at the launch of AQUAFLUENCE – A Centre of Influence for Water Sustainability on July 25, 2023. AQUAFLUENCE, a joint initiative of the prestigious Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly known as UDCT) & AquaKraft was launched by Hon’ble Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji – Minister for Jal Shakti, Government of India. In his keynote address the Hon’ble Minister Shekhawat ji said “It is very heartening to see Bangalore International Airport Limited’s water sustainability program have voluntarily onboarded themselves on AquaKraft’s AqVerium which shows commitment towards corporate water stewardship. The Water Sustainability Score is an innovative way of branding sustainability and will build a healthy competition amongst corporates in water stewardship.”