Tag: wastewater

We have released the 2023 edition of our annual green economy market intelligence reports. The reports highlight the most promising investment opportunities in key green economy sectors in South Africa.

Wenn du mich siehst, dann weine - “If you see me, then weep”. This is a startling message to stumble upon, carved into one of numerous 'hunger stones' in various European rivers. The hunger stones were medieval traditions indicating when a river's levels have dropped so low that famine will follow.

Humans have known about the importance of clean water for millennia. Yet modern water treatment would be the envy of past civilisations. Through chemicals such as chlorine, we've curtailed the presence of dangerous viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites in our water and food.

Sustainability has become a major investment focus. News headlines frequently point to how investors are sidestepping old energy sources such as coal, favouring greener and more sustainable alternatives. According to the US Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), the size of the US sustainable investment since 1995 has increased more than 25-fold, today totalling portfolios worth $16.6 trillion.

Water is a vital and scarce resource. Many businesses, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, mining and agriculture, use water as part of their core output processes. Practically, every business relies on water to help maintain them, from flushing toilets to boiling kettles to cleaning services. Water is an inextricable business cost.