**California**: Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, underscores the need for water utilities to adapt to climate change during her visit. She advocates for improved supplier relationships, innovation in technology, and partnerships to ensure sustainable, affordable water solutions for communities facing increasing environmental pressures.
In a recent discussion with Pam McFarland, senior environmental editor of Engineering News-Record, Estelle Brachlianoff, the CEO of Veolia, emphasised the critical role of supplier relationship management and the urgent need for water utilities to adapt in the face of climate change. Veolia is a global leader in water, waste, and energy management, headquartered in Aubervilliers, France. As the head of a company operating in 45 countries, Brachlianoff brings considerable expertise to the conversation, particularly in relation to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
While visiting California, Brachlianoff addressed the ongoing wildfire crisis and the immediate needs of affected communities. “My thoughts first go to the people who were directly impacted by those fires and the firefighters who are still fighting them,” she said. Her focus extended beyond crisis management to long-term resilience, stating the need to create sustainable urban environments capable of ensuring a stable water supply throughout the year, irrespective of circumstances. The challenge lies in planning and building cities that can withstand the pressures of climate change, highlighting the vital importance of stable and affordable water resources.
The discussion also touched upon the financial pressures faced by water utilities. Brachlianoff emphasised that innovations in technology and supply chain management must contribute to affordable water solutions for all communities. “We have to raise drinking water standards for everybody, not only the wealthiest. You don’t want water to become a luxury product,” she asserted, further explaining that utilising advanced technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence, and digital tools can help in identifying and addressing leaks more efficiently, thereby reducing costs.
Furthermore, the conversation addressed the potential growth of water recycling technologies as an essential aspect of addressing scarcity in the water sector. Although desalination remains a more costly option, innovations have significantly reduced its overall expense. Brachlianoff indicated that “with innovation, companies like Veolia have been able to cut the cost of desalination by a [factor of] five over the past 20 years.” This reflects the trend of focusing on creating competitive advantages through improved supplier relationships and collaboration across sectors.
Brachlianoff also underlined the importance of partnerships among various stakeholders, including academia, industry, and community organisations. “Partnerships are paramount across various stages such as between public and private sectors,” she noted. Such collaborations help to leverage efficiencies and share solutions that have been successful in different regions. The involvement of universities in providing multidisciplinary education and training to the next generation of engineers was highlighted as critical to driving future innovation.
The CEO’s insights suggest a paradigm shift in procurement within the water sector from traditional cost management towards a more holistic view that prioritizes value creation through resilient supply chains and stronger supplier relationships. By addressing both the immediate challenges and the broader issues associated with climate change, companies like Veolia are pioneering adaptive strategies that involve comprehensive management of resources.
Moreover, Brachlianoff remains optimistic about the future, recognising unique opportunities for Veolia across various regions, from Arizona and the West Coast of the U.S. to the Middle East, Australia, and Southern Europe. She emphasised the company’s commitment to helping remove pollutants and contribute to human health and environmental protection, positioning Veolia as a key player in the evolution of sustainable practices in water management.
In conclusion, Brachlianoff’s reflections during her recent U.S. visit underline the interconnectedness of technology, community engagement, and strategic partnerships in creating robust water management frameworks that not only address current crises but also lay the foundation for resilient infrastructures.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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