The recommendations contained in the report were drawn from benchmarking SA Water's sustainability performance against that of leading sustainability-based companies. The benchmarking assessment was conducted against nine themes, representing the key attributes required to attain sustainability leadership.
The benchmarking enabled Business Shaper to formulate a strategic approach aimed at assisting SA Water take the next step towards sustainability leadership. The model used, "The Path towards Sustainability Leadership", highlights the process of moving across three stages from "business as usual" towards "keeping the pace" before "setting the pace" on sustainability.
The model also outlines the need to develop awareness and commitment, understanding and engagement, and partnerships and performance on the way to attaining competitive advantage through sustainability.
The benchmarking assessment highlighted the need for better communication and understanding of sustainability, particularly around the business case, at SA Water. Business Shaper, in collaboration with SA Water, developed the "Water Wheel" tool to assist in promoting this link between sustainability and SA Water's core business activities.
The "Water Wheel" tool was designed to engage internal stakeholders on sustainability by identifying and promoting sustainability related activities occurring across the organisation. This will enable SA Water to better communicate its performance on sustainability to key stakeholders, including DJSI assessors and the South Australian Government.
