The 2025 Valuing Water Finance Initiative Benchmark

Ceres’ latest benchmark, developed with Quantis, reveals where companies are making progress, where critical gaps remain and how data-driven insights can drive more resilient water strategies.

Water is one of the world’s most vital yet vulnerable resources, and companies are feeling the pressure. The 2025 Valuing Water Finance Initiative Benchmark, developed by Ceres in partnership with Quantis, tracks how 71 companies across food, beverage, apparel and high-tech industries are responding to growing water-related risks.

The results show clear signs of momentum: two-thirds of companies improved their performance since 2023. Yet the pace and scope of action still fall short of what’s needed to address intensifying water challenges.

The benchmark evaluates companies against Corporate Expectations for Valuing Water, a set of six 2030 goals guiding the Valuing Water Finance Initiative — the only investor-led global effort focused on water.

Findings reveal that while more companies now have water use targets, few account for and address local watershed conditions. Governance is improving, with a majority of companies reporting board oversight of water issues, but collaboration, water quality, and equitable access remain weak spots.

Developed using corporate data and sustainability analysis by Quantis and Ceres, this benchmark offers investors and companies a clear, data-driven view of where water stewardship is advancing and where urgent gaps remain.

What you will learn:

• 13 key findings across six Corporate Expectations for Valuing Water
• How leading global companies are managing water-related risks and opportunities, including progress and areas for improvement
• Emerging best practices and key challenges across four high-impact sectors
• How investors can use the benchmark to guide engagement and decision-making

Disclaimer

^{The data and information provided as part of the Valuing Water Finance Initiative Benchmark (hereafter “Benchmark”) is not intended to constitute or form the basis of any investment advice. The Benchmark is for informational purposes only and is based on the best available information at the time of analysis. Ceres cannot guarantee the accuracy of the data as it is aggregated from multiple sources. It is for individual organizations and stakeholders to determine the most appropriate ways in which the Benchmark can be helpful to their organization.}   

^{Ceres does not accept any liability for any claim or loss arising from any use of, or reliance on, the data or information. The Benchmark may only be used for non-commercial purposes and any replication or republication of the Benchmark by third parties is not permitted without Ceres’ express prior written permission. When using or referencing the data, attribution to Ceres and the Valuing Water Finance Initiative Benchmark as the source is required.}