2023 AWWA / WEF Utility Management Conference Prog 2023 Utility Mgmt Conf Program_FINAL_LR | Page 31

FRI03
Utility Sustainability

8:30 – 10:00 a . m . ROOM : A4 + A5 Moderator : Ting Lu

The environmental , social , and governance ( ESG ) framework can become a valuable risk mitigation tool for water utilities . Many utilities engage in projects related to ESG risk mitigation , but DC Water has adopted the formal framework reporting on sustainability activities to its stakeholders . On the other coast , water conservation and reuse policies raise public awareness about regional water scarcity , drive investment in alternate water supplies , and encourage customer buy-in .

8:30 DC Water ’ s Journey to Increase Transparency , Accountability , and Leadership via Its ESG Reporting Matthew Ries , DC Water

9:00 Advancing the One Water Concept Sarina Sriboonlue , Arcadis U . S ., Inc .

9:30 How Do Sustainability Policy and ESG Intersect and Differ ? Mary Tchamkina , Rafetelis

FRI04 Finance and Affordability : Answering Key Questions

8:30 – 10:00 a . m . ROOM : A7 + A8 Moderator ( s ): Brian Shell

Securing financial support requires a commitment to understanding the different funding programs , tailoring projects to respond to differing program goals , and promoting the projects to both funding agencies and necessary project supporters . New are climate and environmental factors impacting credit ratings and ultimately project funding .

8:30 How Does Climate Risk Affect Your Cost of Capital ? Ted Chapman , Hilltop Securities

9:00 How to Include New Resilience Investments in CIP ’ s and Rate Applications Ernesto Gianella , Criticality Sciences

9:30 How to Navigate Federal Project Funding Under a Confluence of Unique Factors Richard Harmon , Woodard & Curran www . awwa . org 31