Smart Water Zone Project for Managing Companies’ Water Footprint Launches in Kazakhstan

Around the world, attention to the growing problem of water scarcity is increasing. Since businesses account for 90% of water resources consumed, the importance of measures to improve water use efficiency is growing.

In Kazakhstan, a new environmental project called Smart Water Zone is being launched for companies seeking to systematically manage their water footprint and implement modern environmental practices.

The project is being implemented by GPI Group together with Coca-Cola and the Green Urban Association, with support from the Astana City Akimat and the National Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources (NAO IAC of Water Resources).

The initiative is a continuation of environmental projects aimed at developing a culture of responsible consumption, promoting the principles of sustainable development, and forming an environmentally responsible business community in Kazakhstan.

An earlier similar initiative, Smart Plastic Zone, implemented by the same organizers, brought together more than 70 companies across the country.

“Today, effective water use is becoming part of the strategic sustainability of business. Smart Water Zone was created as a practical tool for companies that are ready to systematically approach reducing their water footprint, implement ESG practices, and build a new environmental culture. We see strong interest from businesses in such initiatives and expect the project to become a platform for sharing best industry practices in sustainable water resource management,” the project organizers noted.

Coca-Cola Kazakhstan emphasizes that the rational use and replenishment of water remains one of the key areas of the company’s sustainable development strategy.

“For Coca-Cola, careful stewardship of water resources is one of the priorities of our global sustainable development strategy. We support initiatives that help build responsible consumption and engage business in practical environmental solutions. Smart Water Zone is an opportunity to bring together companies ready to implement modern approaches to water resource management and reduce their environmental impact,” the company noted.

Manufacturing enterprises, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, offices, educational institutions, and other organizations interested in reducing their water footprint and developing ESG practices are invited to participate. Participation in the project is free of charge.

Project participants will receive:

• an independent express assessment of their water consumption and water resource management systems;
• practical recommendations for improving water use efficiency;
• access to educational materials and best industry practices;
• the opportunity to receive the Smart Water Zone mark, ranging from “Bronze” to “Platinum” level;
• inclusion of the company’s best practices in a final report reviewing industry solutions for reducing water footprint.

The Smart Water Zone mark will serve as a distinguishing sign for companies demonstrating a high level of environmental responsibility and commitment to the principles of sustainable development.

Major Kazakhstani companies, including Baiterek National Managing Holding and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, have already joined the organizers’ environmental projects.

To participate, one must:

• fill out a questionnaire on the project website;
• undergo data verification;
• receive recommendations and the corresponding Smart Water Zone mark.

If a facility does not yet meet the project’s minimum requirements, or if participants wish to raise their achieved status, they will receive recommendations for improvement and will be able to undergo a repeat assessment after implementing the necessary solutions.

It should be noted that rational water consumption is currently among the state’s priorities. Under the new Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, enterprises are required to develop five-year transition plans for switching to recycled and reused water supply; existing recycled and reused water supply systems must be modernized, improved, and best available technologies applied. During 2026, all enterprises must develop such plans, and starting the following year, the developed plans must be implemented in stages.