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Water is essential for sustainability and closely interconnected with climate, biodiversity, and human well-being. Yet only 0.3% of the planet’s water is available for human use, making it increasingly scarce as climate change and economic growth intensify pressure on this limited resource. Despite its importance, water remains insufficiently addressed in corporate ESG strategies. A new study, Corporate Water Stewardship: Strategies and Practices in Asia Pacific, explores how leading companies in the region are managing and protecting this critical resource.

“It is essential to understand how companies engage with water and to evaluate the practices that support responsible water management. This means looking closely at their dependencies and impacts, while also identifying the risks and opportunities that arise from the way they use and manage this vital resource. Following our first joint report on nature-related corporate strategies in the Asia Pacific region, we are pleased to release this new case study, which highlights the importance of advancing water stewardship – a critical issue that still does not receive the attention it deserves,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, Kering. 

The study examines the self-reported water management practices of six major Asia-Pacific companies representing highly water-intensive sectors such as agriculture, fashion and beauty, and real estate. Using an EESG framework, it highlights the central role of governance in effective water stewardship and outlines corporate best practices. Most companies focus first on internal measures, including tracking water use, improving efficiency, reducing pollution, and meeting regulatory requirements.

However, the report finds that water strategies largely remain within company boundaries. While some firms are beginning to extend water initiatives beyond their operations, this is not yet common practice. Significant gaps persist, including limited investment in water initiatives, insufficient disclosure of financial metrics, weak supply-chain collaboration on sustainable sourcing, low consumer engagement, and the absence of context-specific water targets. The study concludes that true stewardship requires assessing water dependencies and impacts across the entire value chain, especially in upstream sourcing and raw material extraction.

“Mere compliance with water regulations is insufficient to tackle the growing range of water-related challenges. Much like climate action, effective water stewardship demands collaboration among corporations, suppliers, consumers, communities, and local governments. Water lies at the heart of the Water–Nature–Climate Nexus, meaning that threats to water inevitably affect other interconnected systems. Just as with climate, companies must act swiftly and collectively to address water challenges,” said Professor Lawrence Loh, Director, Centre for Governance and Sustainability, NUS Business School. 

About Kering

Kering is a global, family-led luxury group, home to people whose passion and expertise 
nurture creative Houses across couture and ready-to-wear, leather goods, jewelry, eyewear 
and beauty: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin, Ginori 1735, as well as Kering Eyewear and Kering Beauté. Inspired  by their creative heritage, Kering Houses design and craft exceptional products and experiences that reflect the Group’s commitment to excellence, sustainability and culture. This vision is expressed in our signature: Creativity is our Legacy. In 2024, Kering employed 47,000 people and generated revenue of €17.2 billion.

About National University of Singapore (NUS) 

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 15 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established more than 20 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world. 

Press contacts 

Natalie LAW
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications
NUS Business School
National University of Singapore
Tel: +65 6601-1206
Email: natalielaw@nus.edu.sg

Kering:

Errial Chiu
APAC office
Email: errial.chiu@kering.com

Emmanuelle Picard-Deyme
HQ office
Email: emmanuelle.picard-deyme@kering.com