Water Stewardship in Coca-Cola’s Worldwide System

About This Project

“I would encourage you – whether you’re in business, government, the nonprofit world or simply a concerned private citizen – to think about ways you might be able to partner with others to create positive change. And then take the first step. You never know how many lives you might touch.”— Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company

In 2005, the Indian state of Kerala banned the production of Coca-Cola products in the region, due to the company’s excessive use of water and poor record of pollution. It was clear to Coca-Cola that they could improve their water efficiency and overall water stewardship, not only in Kerala but throughout their worldwide operations. Jeff Seabright was hired to head Coca-Cola’s Environmental and Water Resources Group, both for his political acumen and his knowledge of climate change. Jeff used his cross-sector experience to solve the company’s water problem, working with partners from government and non-profit sectors, including World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). All three sectors collaborated to create sustainable hydropower initiatives, improving water accessibility and infrastructure in locations where Coca-Cola operates. His cross-sector approach helped position Coca-Cola as an industry leader in water stewardship.

Category
Environmental Conservation
Tags
Georgia