Attention to the growing global water deficit is intensifying worldwide. Since businesses account for 90% of water consumption, the importance of measures to improve water-use efficiency is increasing.
In Kazakhstan, a new environmental project — Smart Water Zone — is being launched for companies seeking to systematically manage their water footprint and adopt modern environmental practices.
The project is implemented by GPI Group together with Coca-Cola and the Green Urban Association, with support from the Astana Akimat and the NAO Information and Analysis Center for Water Resources.
The initiative is a continuation of environmental projects aimed at fostering a culture of responsible consumption, promoting sustainable development principles, and building an environmentally responsible business community in Kazakhstan.
A similar earlier initiative, Smart Plastic Zone, brought together more than 70 companies across the country.
“Today, efficient water management is becoming part of the strategic sustainability of business. Smart Water Zone was created as a practical tool for companies that are ready to take a systematic approach to reducing their water footprint, implement ESG practices, and cultivate a new environmental culture. We see strong interest from businesses in such initiatives and expect the project to become a platform for sharing best industry solutions in sustainable water management,” the project organizers note.
Coca-Cola Kazakhstan emphasizes that the rational use and replenishment of water remains one of the company’s key sustainable development priorities.
“For Coca-Cola, responsible water stewardship is one of the priorities of our global sustainability strategy. We support initiatives that help shape responsible consumption and engage businesses in practical environmental solutions. Smart Water Zone is an opportunity to unite companies ready to implement modern approaches to water resource management and reduce their environmental impact,” the company stated.
Manufacturing enterprises, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, offices, educational institutions, and other organizations interested in reducing their water footprint and developing ESG practices are invited to participate. Participation is free of charge.
Project participants will receive:
- an independent rapid assessment of their water consumption and water management systems;
- practical recommendations for improving water-use efficiency;
- access to educational materials and best industry practices;
- the opportunity to receive the Smart Water Zone badge — from Bronze to Platinum level;
- inclusion of the company’s best practices in a final report reviewing industry solutions for reducing the water footprint.
The Smart Water Zone badge will distinguish companies demonstrating a high level of environmental responsibility and commitment to sustainable development principles.
Major Kazakhstani companies have already joined the organizers’ environmental projects, including the National Holding Baiterek and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.
To participate:
- complete the questionnaire on the project website;
- complete data verification;
- receive recommendations and the Smart Water Zone badge at the appropriate level.
If a facility does not yet meet the minimum project requirements, or if participants wish to upgrade their status, they will receive recommendations for improvement and may undergo re-assessment after implementing the necessary measures.
It should be noted that rational water use is currently among the state’s priorities. Under Kazakhstan’s new Water Code, enterprises are required to develop five-year plans for transitioning to circulating and reuse water supply systems; existing systems must be modernized and upgraded using the best available technologies. All enterprises must develop these plans during 2026, and starting from the following year, the plans must be implemented in stages.
