Interview with Hans-Jürgen Kalmbach, Chief Executive Officer, Hansgrohe & Water Europe Board member of Multinational Corporations College

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You have been recently elected as a Water Europe board member representing College A, ‘Multinational Corporations.’ What motivates you to take on this role, and what key goals are you aiming to achieve?

Raising awareness for the sustainable use of water, the elixir of life, is not only a concern for the Hansgrohe Group, but also for me personally. We want to make water a political priority, because the potential for water efficiency in buildings is far from exhausted. Appropriate political framework conditions are necessary to achieve greater water resilience. I am grateful that in my role as Board member of Water Europe, I can do even more to promote the responsible use of water.

Why is Hansgrohe’s participation in Water Europe crucial, and how does this collaboration align with the company’s long-term strategy for water sustainability?

In light of the threat of climate-related water shortages in Europe, it is not enough to focus on agriculture and industry. Water consumption in residential buildings must also be discussed at a political level. After all, according to a report by the European Environmental Agency, private households account for around ten percent of freshwater consumption in Europe. By 2030 we want to limit our product portfolio to water- and energy-saving models to provide a solution for this issue. Working together for a comprehensive water strategy in Europe will allow us to have an impact on the buildings sector sooner.

In your view, what are the most pressing challenges currently facing the European water sector, and what innovative approaches or solutions do you believe will help us address them effectively?

The challenge lies in the climate change-induced increase in water demand and the reduction in water availability. The solution is a comprehensive Water Resilience Strategy (across ALL water sectors and including buildings) and improving efficiency in all of these sectors.

Water Europe strives to achieve a Water-Smart Society. In your opinion, what strategic actions or initiatives should we prioritise to turn this vision into a reality?

We should raise awareness for the importance of water for the European Union as a commerce and industry hub and for the competitiveness of Europe. Furthermore, we should work together to develop and market technological solutions that increase efficiency (i.e. not giving up on quality of life).

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