At the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC), we are excited to highlight the continued innovations of Ecolab, a global leader in sustainability. As the world’s most essential resource, water is critical now more than ever, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Ecolab’s mission to optimize water use and drive sustainable business growth has only grown in importance, as they explore the intersection of technology and water conservation.
Water and AI: An Emerging Relationship
In the coming years, the growth of AI and high-tech data centers is expected to increase the demand for water and energy. By 2030, it is projected that AI-related expansion will require additional power equivalent to the annual needs of India and as much water to meet the annual drinking water needs of the United States. As we navigate this challenge, there is a unique opportunity to leverage AI to improve water management, increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.
Ecolab is at the forefront of this movement, combining its expertise in water conservation with the capabilities of AI to help customers achieve greater efficiency in their water use. As Christophe Beck, Chairman and CEO of Ecolab, puts it, “By leveraging AI to reduce, reuse, and repurpose water throughout business operations, we can continue to win the right way by delivering positive performance for customers while protecting natural resources.”
2024 Year in Water: Celebrating Progress
Ecolab’s commitment to water conservation and sustainability has led to impressive strides in 2024. Here are some key highlights from their efforts:
- Water Conservation: Ecolab helped its customers conserve more than 226 billion gallons of water in 2024, which is equivalent to the annual drinking water needs of over 781 million people. By 2030, the company aims to conserve 300 billion gallons annually, enough to meet the drinking water needs of 1 billion people.
- AI-Driven Solutions: Ecolab’s collaboration with Digital Realty to deploy AI-driven water conservation solutions in 35 U.S. data centers is a standout example. The initiative aims to optimize water use efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the sustainability of these critical facilities.
- Global Partnerships and Engagement: Ecolab continued to work with partners like Danieli in the metals industry to reduce both water and carbon footprints while lowering operational costs. They also launched educational initiatives such as the “Every Drop Counts” exhibit at New York Climate Week to raise awareness of the importance of water stewardship.
- Smart Water Navigator: Ecolab’s digital tool, the Smart Water Navigator, helps businesses assess the full value of water in their operations, guiding them to better water management practices and aligning them with sustainability goals.
A Commitment to Global Impact
Ecolab is not only focused on corporate sustainability but also on contributing to the global water crisis. Through its involvement with the Water Resilience Coalition (WRC), Ecolab is working to ensure safe water access for millions of people worldwide. The company has helped raise over $100 million for the Water & Climate Resilience Fund, which aims to provide safe water and sanitation to 15 million people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Additionally, as a Basin Champion for California’s water resilience initiative, Ecolab is leading efforts to address the state’s water challenges by fostering private sector collaboration to secure a water-resilient future for the region.
Looking to the Future
As the world faces growing demands on water resources driven by technological advancements like AI, Ecolab’s approach to integrating smart water management practices into business operations is more important than ever. By continuing to focus on innovation, collaboration, and responsible resource management, Ecolab is helping businesses thrive while ensuring the sustainability of one of our planet’s most vital resources.
For more information on how Ecolab is transforming water stewardship through AI and other technologies, visit their Water Expertise and Innovation page.
Learn more HERE