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Sustainability Symposium

2024 IBM Sustainability Leadership Symposium on Water Management

October 1, 2024, 9:30 AM - 11:55 AM EDT

Overview

Thank you for your interest in IBM’s Sustainability Leadership Symposium, held on October 1, 2024. This year’s theme focused on water management. 

The global demand for water is increasing and the places from which more water is sought is expanding. This is due to many factors including population growth, economic development, and changes in weather and climate. At the same time, the availability of clean water and access to it represent challenges in many parts of the world and to a significant portion of the global population. 

This virtual event brought together key IBM suppliers with activities that may have a greater impact on the environment relative to what IBM procures to share best practices, progress, and achievements in environmental sustainability. It provided a forum where best practices and insights could be shared with regard to how operational efficiencies and innovative conservation efforts are helping to reduce water consumption and wastewater generation and increase water reuse and recycling in organizational operations. The intention of the event was to provide valuable learning and engagement opportunities for attendees. 

The keynote speaker for this event was Heather Cooley, Director of Research, Pacific Institute, who shared with us her presentation entitled, “Navigating Water Risks and Resilience in a Changing World.” Members from IBM leadership, including our Chief Procurement Officer, Lorie Meola, and Chief Sustainability Officer, Christina Shim, offered their perspectives, as well.  

Additionally, attendees heard from a variety of IBM suppliers who have implemented innovative solutions to reduce their demand for water through enhanced operational efficiencies, transitioning to waterless processes or increased water reuse and recycling. Suppliers shared their implementation, successes and lessons learned to continually improve their environmental performance while meeting business objectives. IBM also provided an informative presentation on its own water management journey. 

The event was recorded and has been made available below.  

 

Video

Presentation
Agenda
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM EST Welcome

 

Ian Smalley, IBM, Event Moderator 

9:35 AM - 9:45 AM EST Opening remarks

 

Lorie Meola, Chief Procurement Officer, IBM
Christina Shim, Chief Sustainability Officer, IBM

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM EST Keynote address

Navigating water risks and resilience in a changing world

Heather Cooley, Director of Research, Pacific Institute

10:15 AM - 10:20 AM EST Overview of supplier showcases
10:20 AM - 10:40 AM EST Emirates Airline

Emirates’ sustainability journey and actions on water

Emirates Airline supplier showcase and Q&A
Joana Bel, Sustainability & Environment Manager

10:40 AM - 11:00 AM EST Micron Technology

 

Every drop counts: Micron's water journey to reduce, recover, and restore

Micron Technology supplier showcase and Q&A
Auriane Koster, Ph.D., Boise Site Sustainability Senior Manager

11:00 AM - 11:05 AM EST Break
11:05 AM - 11:25 AM EST Marriott International

 

Unlocking the future of water conservation: digital tools, success stories, and overcoming challenges

Marriott International supplier showcase and Q&A
Mercedes Hunt, Ph.D., Director of Energy and Sustainability

11:25 AM - 11:45 AM EST IBM

 

IBM’s water management journey 

Michael Chanell, Global Program Manager, Chief Sustainability Office, IBM

11:45 AM - 11:55 AM EST Closing comments

 

Brooke Tvermoes, Director, Environmental, Energy & Chemical Management Programs, IBM

 

Meet the speakers

Ian Smalley

LinkedIn

Lorie Meola

LinkedIn

Christina Shim

LinkedIn

Heather Cooley

LinkedIn

Michael Chanell

LinkedIn

Brooke Tvermoes, Ph.D.

LinkedIn

Joana Bel

LinkedIn

Auriane Koster, Ph.D.

LinkedIn

Mercedes Hunt, Ph.D.

LinkedIn

By registering for this Symposium, you agree to have your name and email address collected for the purposes of processing the registration and for communication related to the Symposium. Please refer to the following privacy statement for details on how your data is managed: https://www.ibm.com/privacy.