Opening Keynote: Thirst for Power - The Nexus of Energy & Water

Dr. Michael Webber, Associate Director of the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Texas- Austin

A renowned expert on research and policy issues related to energy, innovation and national security, Dr. Webber's address will focus on current and future global water availability challenges and the intertwined relationship between energy and water usage. Come away with an understanding of why it's critical for corporations to evaluate their water needs, and how the strain on water and energy is being exacerbated by population growth, economic growth, climate change and policy choices. Take away an appreciation of water as a broad issue that impacts your business strategy.

Break

Regulatory and policy issues are increasingly strong drivers of corporate water programs. This session will give a snapshot of what's happening across the spectrum domestically and globally, and will help corporations identify resources and opportunities for improving their water management programs.

• Paul Beatley, Director, Enhesa
• Robert Holden, Vice President, Stateside Associates

Lunch

Tools and Methodologies for Water Footprinting

Learn about tools to help you start your own water footprinting program. This session will provide a case study on methods for corporate water footprinting, including a discussion of existing tools developed by organizations such as GEMI, WBCSD, BIER and the Water Footprint Network.

• Joseph Fiksel, Executive Director, Center for Resilience, The Ohio State University
• John Stier, Partner, Climate Change Practice Leader, Delta Environmental Consultants

Water Use Sustainability Assessment

Driven by a water permitting requirement, this case study will focus on the enterprise risk issue of identifying a sustainable water supply. The session will also demonstrate a new analytical process for determining groundwater availability, and discuss the tasks of determining your water needs, addressing regulations and partnering with other corporate functions to ensure a successful assessment. Explore how increasingly common water regulations can impact your operations before your facility is even built.

• Bob Dykes & Michael Lowry, RTI International

Metrics and Management of Water Efficiency and Conservation Programs

Walk away from this session with lessons from successful corporate water programs including an understanding of the key process steps and approaches to defining success. These case studies will provide a look at water management strategies from three different companies in three different industries; all with the common goal of reducing water consumption and organizational risk.

• Deb Kennedy, Resource Conservation Group, Quaker Oats
• Bruce Klafter, Senior Director, EHS, Applied Materials Inc.

Closing Keynote: A Holistic and Thoughtful Approach to Water Management

• Jeff Fulgham, Chief Marketing Officer, GE Water and Process Technologies

Hear about how GE has taken water management to the next level; moving from water conservation to water as a strategic business initiative. Jeff Fulgham will tie the day's sessions together and present the business case for developing a water management system before your company is facing critical restrictions. This session will also examine the three primary water management areas (inflow, usage and outflow) and provide tips for improvements, and strategies to help changing perceptions around water and long-term objectives.

Closing Remarks and Networking Reception