Access to reliable, clean water and sanitation underpins all aspects of development, supporting health, food security, and quality of life. It is a key ingredient for economic growth and job creation. And it is a basic human right.
However, as of 2022, 2.2 billion people still lacked safely managed drinking water, 3.5 billion lacked safely managed sanitation, and 2 billion lacked a basic handwashing facility. These challenges threaten communities and undermine the prospects of economic growth. Shifting rainfall patterns, which have increased the frequency and intensity of floods and droughts globally, make the situation even more dire.
The Solution
IFC’s Utilities for Climate (U4C) initiative is a comprehensive platform for water utilities in emerging markets, supporting their efforts to strengthen climate resilience and future-proof commercial water infrastructure. Recognizing that public funding alone is insufficient, U4C works with utilities to identify, prioritize, and finance climate-resilient projects. Additionally, U4C provides advisory solutions, and access to a global knowledge-sharing network, helping utilities develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency and service quality, address climate risks, digitize operations, and enhance sustainability.
Focus Areas
Advisory Engagements
U4C advisory engagements are tailored to specific client needs. Recent engagements have focused on:
- Reduction of Non-Revenue Water (NRW): Advising on strategies and developing action plans to reduce NRW through leak detection and repair, pressure management, theft prevention, and improved metering accuracy.
- Water Quality and Treatment: Providing expertise on water quality monitoring, treatment technologies, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Innovation and Technology Development: Supporting the development and deployment of innovative water sector technologies and solutions, including use of AI, advanced treatment processes, water reuse and recycling, and desalination.
Select Partners
