Water the New Oil

“Water the New Oil”, a recorded discussion between Uwe Schulte and Emilio Tenuta from Ecolab, delves into the rising importance of water in the global economy, paralleling its value to that of oil. Emilio Tenuta, Ecolab’s Chief Sustainability Officer, shares insights from his 36-year career in water and energy management. He highlights Ecolab’s history and mission, emphasizing their 2030 sustainability goals aimed at saving 300 billion gallons of water. Tenuta elaborates on water scarcity, stressing that despite being plentiful, freshwater is a limited and underpriced resource. He outlines the need for better water management, using tools like Ecolab’s Smart Water Navigator to help businesses understand and mitigate water risks. The conversation explores the interconnectedness of water scarcity, climate change, and pollution, illustrating how industrial water use and conservation can significantly impact carbon emissions. Tenuta calls for a shift in perception, recognizing water as a valuable asset essential for both economic resilience and environmental sustainability.