Ambassadorship for SDG 6
With the 2030 Agenda ("Transforming our world: the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development"), UNESCO has set itself the goal of achieving sustainable development worldwide. The 17 SDGs and their 169 goals are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda, which were defined by the United Nations (UN). They cover a broad spectrum of social, environmental and economic issues. The aim is for all UN member states to achieve the desired changes by 2030.
UNESCO and the UN WFEO
Water has an enormous impact on the quality of life of the world's population. This is why the United Nations (UN) has defined the improvement of water quality as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in its 2030 Agenda.
ACO proudly serves as an ambassador for the sixth UN Sustainable Development Goal 'Clean Water and Sanitation' in collaboration with UNESCO and the UN World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), as part of the UNESCO 2025 anniversary year.
As part of our commitment to support SDG 6 and the wider sustainability goals; we are offering a free CPD webinar series throughout May 2025 that explores different elements of achieving sustainable water management. Later in the series, we explore biodiversity and how we can better safeguard wildlife on schemes. Register below for the sessions of interest:
- Effective Surface Water Management
- Suds - What can we learn from Beavers
- Blue Green Roof Drainage - Making Sustainable Urban Environments a Reality
- Effective Grease Management
- Super Amphibian Highways
Collaboration is at our Core
We are dedicated to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By consistently striving to share ideas across the globe, we've realised the benefits of a powerful approach we recognise as a 'collaborative advantage' in caring for water. This focus on creating better solutions through collaboration is central to everything we do at ACO.
"A world that is demonstrably more sustainable, equitable, resilient, and healthy is certainly something to strive for. Because clean water (UNSDG 6) is so directly linked to our core business and mission, it naturally takes centre stage in our public advocacy. However, we firmly believe in the interconnectedness of all 17 SDGs and maintain a strong, proactive commitment to 11 others. This interconnectedness highlights a significant advantage: when we work on these goals together, our collective efforts achieve a far greater reach and scale of impact".
- Mike Simpson Lane, ACO UK Managing Director
Partnerships - CEO Water Mandate
ACO is proud to be a signatory of the CEO Water Mandate, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable water management in construction. We lead by example, aligning with its six core principles, reducing water consumption by 46% since 2015, and educating thousands of industry professionals and students. Through innovation and stewardship, we drive positive change for a more water-resilient future.
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Rushden Lakes
The Rushden Lakes project in Northamptonshire combines innovative urban infrastructure with landmark environmental rejuvenation. Phase One, which first opened to the public in 2017, saw the integration of sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) and nature-base solutions (NbS). With the reintroduction of long-absent beavers in March 2025, this development sets a high standard for sustainable urban design and wildlife conservation.
Making Sustainable Water Solutions a Reality with Blue Roofs
In the UK, water scarcity is a pertinent problem that requires innovative water management solutions. Blue roofs present a feasible answer to this issue while also promoting a sustainable water cycle aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Here, Neill Robinson-Welsh, consultant at ACO Building Drainage, explains the benefits of blue roofs and how the systems could help ease water scarcity.