Sustaining Clarity: How Municipalities Can Strengthen Sustainability Strategy with DWQMS

In an era of market fluctuations and political instability, organizations are rightfully questioning how to keep their Sustainability Strategy on track. The answer lies not in reacting—but in relying on structure. Sustainability issues do not pause during volatility. Instead, they continue to shape financial performance, community trust, and regulatory standing.

This is where the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) / Quality Management System (QMS) framework comes in. It provides a powerful change management approach to assess, manage, and report on risks and opportunities—even in uncertain environments.

One of our energy clients described it as an “excellent framework and is helping keep things on track and avoid distraction.”

What Sustainability Still Requires – Even During Uncertainty

While the world changes, core Sustainability issues remain constant –occupational health & safety, water and energy usage, waste and wastewater, stakeholder engagement, etc. These priorities remain essential, regardless of public attention or political sentiment.

As evidenced in ongoing global trends—from Net Zero Banking Alliance withdrawals to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion pullbacks—organizations must stay grounded in proven frameworks to protect long-term value.

Municipal Case Study: Advancing Sustainability Through DWQMS

For one Ontario Municipality’s, 69% of the Sustainability framework was already in place through its Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS). The following steps were identified to further embed Sustainability priorities and generate at least 20% cost savings:

1. Assess and prioritize water risk not only through DWQMS

Element 7 Risk Assessment, Element 2 QMS Policy commitment, and Element’s 12 complaints process, but also by integrating broader 

Stakeholder Sustainability Priorities such as:

• Climate change (already acknowledged in the DWQMS Risk Assessment and contributing to any associated Climate Change Adaptation Plans)
• Energy efficiency (referencing Municipalities’ Conservation and Demand Management Plans)
• Occupational Health & Safety
• Waste and Wastewater

2. Confirm Water and other Sustainability Material Metrics already discussed during and outside strategy meetings.

3. Influence the Supply Chain by going beyond DWQMS Element 13 Essential Supplies and Services to  integrate Sustainability requirements (e.g., Responsible Sourcing).

4. Confirm Reporting to Stakeholders through public access points such as the Municipal website.

5. Recognition of DWQMS within a Sustainability context including eligibility for programs like the OWWA Awards of Excellence in Water Efficiency.

Through this approach, this Municipality’s Public Works Department contributed:

• 6% to the Town’s incipient Environmental Strategy (covering Energy, Waste, and Wastewater)
• 17% to the overall Sustainability Strategy

When combined with the efforts of other departments, DWQMS contributed 12% to the entire Municipal Sustainability Strategy.

The Municipality’s DWQMS can drive progress and performance across Sustainability priorities such as Energy and Waste.

Eliminate Distractions with a DWQMS – Based Strategy

Sustainability distractions—reacting to stakeholder demands, inconsistent communication, and employee disengagement—cost time and money.

By utilizing a QMS process-based approach, organizations can:

• Identify and prioritize Sustainability issues
• Engage stakeholders meaningfully
• Manage and monitor risks
• Report consistently and predictively

…and uncover at least 20% in cost savings through efficiency, clarity, and cohesion.

Ready to Align Sustainability with Strategy?

Contact Staarsoft® to learn how our platform supports Municipalities and organizations in automating and accelerating their Sustainability Strategy, providing structure, insights, and peace of mind—even in volatile times