1.4 Closed-loop and water reuse –Prioritize using non-potable water, where feasible. –Utilize closed-loop water systems for both server and facility cooling with onsite water purification to minimize net freshwater withdrawals. –Doing so enhances water recycling rates to cut overall consumption, addressing both operator costs and community concerns around water availability.70 –This is especially important for semiconductor manufacturers due to requirements for ultrapure water and resulting high rates of water use. Some manufacturers already demonstrate high rates of water recycling. Example: Intel returns over 80% of its water for manufacturing reuse; while chip manufacturers in Taiwan reported an average wastewater recycling rate of 85% from 2016-2020.71 Microsoft and others are piloting closed-loop, chip-level cooling to avoid water evaporation.721.5 Restore local watersheds –Champion and support projects to monitor and restore local aquifers and watersheds. –This action often requires partnering with local and global organizations. Examples: AWS takes a multi-pronged approach in its goal to be water positive by 2030. The company works with water charities to bring clean water to areas in need and partners with nature groups for restoration projects, such as restoring watersheds in Brazil and South Africa, and building wetlands to recharge and improve the quality of groundwater in the UK.73 Through the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative – a five-year partnership between HCL Group and UpLink (the early stage innovation ecosystem of the World Economic Forum) – AWS partnered with the start-up Kilimo to promote sustainable water management practices. The initiative as a whole aims to source and scale up high-potential solutions to conserve and restore freshwater ecosystems through innovation challenges. Through similar efforts, tech companies can contribute to collective efforts to address low rates of water replenishment globally, especially tied to priority water basins. Chip manufacturers in Taiwan reported an average wastewater recycling rate of 85% from 2016-2020. Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector 31

Nature Positive Role of the Technology Sector 2025