Yesterday, Microsoft President, Brad Smith, announced Microsoft’s commitment to operate as a water-positive company by 2030 on his official blog.
Smith’s blog outlined the fact that, “As human civilization has expanded, we have reached the point globally where humanity depletes the available freshwater supply at a rate of 4.3 trillion cubic meters every year – the majority of which goes to agricultural and industrial uses. This needs to change.”
As a result, Microsoft has committed to replenishing more water than it consumes by 2030. As part of the announcement, Microsoft New Zealand Partner, Seequent, was one of the four partners highlighted that are working with Microsoft and its customers to drive change for good around water quality and conservation. Alongside Ecolab, Schneider Electric (SE) and Grundfos, Seequent is assistant in developing solutions to help customers understand water-related risks due to climate change; use data to reduce water and make smarter decisions about water; and, improve water quality and conservation.
Seequent is a New Zealand-based Microsoft customer and partner, a Christchurch ISV. They rely on Azure to drive their geospatial and geoscience work, including important work to address water quality and quantity with the Water Replenishment District (WRD), the largest groundwater agency in the state of California. WRD’s service area covers a 420-square-mile region of southern Los Angeles County and accounts for approximately half of the region’s water supply. The WRD is using Seequent’s Leapfrog Works to create 3D models of the local water basins, creating better understanding of groundwater flow and identifying contamination. These models are helping WRD maintain their Water Independence Now Program, which has made the region sustainable using local resources including advanced treated recycled water to replenish groundwater supplies.
Microsoft New Zealand Commercial Partner Director, Matt Bostwick, said of the announcement: “This water-positive commitment is a critical step. And to see our very own ISV partner Seequent alongside global powerhouses Ecolab, Schneider and Grundfos, as a key partner working on water quality and conservation is incredible. This is true global recognition for a tech company from Aotearoa!”