Waterfootprint - Quantifying the water footprint

02-12-2023 01:32 PM

02-12-2023 01:32 PM

Array() no author 99027

water, water, 14046,

ISO 14046 is an international standard that specifies principles, requirements, and guidelines for assessing the water footprint of products/processes.

Water Footprint According to ISO 14046:2014

ISO 14046 is an international standard that specifies the principles, requirements, and guidelines for assessing the water footprint of products, processes, and organizations based on life cycle assessment(LCA)¹. This standard provides principles, requirements, and guidelines for conducting and reporting a water footprint assessment as a standalone assessment or as part of a more comprehensive environmental assessment¹.

 

Definition and Characteristics of Water Footprint

The water footprint, according to ISO 14046, is defined as a "measure of the potential environmental impacts that a product, process, or organization may have on water resources, from a life cycle perspective"(ISO, 2014)². This definition has strong innovative characteristics that can guide businesses towards sustainable water resource management. Studies on water footprint closely follow the steps outlined by the more historical and well-known methodology of Life Cycle Assessment - LCA (ISO, 2006), which is the methodology for analyzing the life cycle of a product or process to quantify its potential environmental impacts. The link between these analysis methods is very strong, to the point that a Water Footprint study can be standalone or integrated within a more comprehensive LCA.

 

Study Phases and Analysis of Water Footprint

 

The study on water footprint is structured in four phases:

 

1. Definition of purpose and scope of application: This phase is very important to guide the subsequent steps and meet the needs of the company that commissioned the study.
2. Inventory analysis: Involves collecting all the necessary data to assess how the processes and/or the product under review interact with the environment, particularly with water resources. It is useful to collect volumetric data on withdrawals and discharges, as well as qualitative parameters related to releases into water and air.
3. Impact assessment: The collected data is then used to quantify potential environmental impacts.
4. Interpretation: This phase involves interpreting the results obtained in the previous phases in order to draw conclusions and recommendations.

 

How to Reduce the Water Footprint of a Product/Process?

 

Reducing the water footprint of a product or process is an important task for companies seeking to minimize their environmental impact. Here are some ways in which companies can reduce their water footprint:

 

1. Direct Operations: Companies can implement more water-efficient production processes¹. This can include the use of technologies that require less water or the optimization of existing processes to reduce water consumption.
2. Supply Chain: Companies can work with suppliers to reduce water usage along the supply chain¹. This can include choosing suppliers that use sustainable practices or requesting changes in the practices of existing suppliers.
3. Health of the Water Basin: Companies can contribute to the overall health of the water basin by investing in water conservation projects or participating in water management initiatives¹.
4. Recycling and Reuse: Companies can reduce their water consumption by recycling and reusing water where possible².
5. Renewable Energy: Investing in renewable energy sources can also help reduce the water footprint, as many forms of energy production require large amounts of water².
6. Awareness: Companies can conduct awareness campaigns to ensure that all employees participate in reducing the water footprint.
7. Environmental Quality System: Developing an environmental quality system can help monitor and reduce the water footprint.
8. Circular Economy Principles: Promoting recycling, reuse, and circular economy principles can help reduce the water footprint.
9. Digitalization of Processes: Digitalizing processes to avoid paper usage can contribute to reducing the water footprint.

 

 

Some Examples of Reduction Initiatives...

1. STMicroelectronics: This company is committed to addressing water scarcity challenges and wastewater treatment in all its operations¹. It has recycled and reused 42% of the water and reduced water consumption by 12% since 2016¹. Additionally, it has collaborated with a consultancy firm to update its water policy and strategy¹.
2. Nike: Through innovation and investment, Nike is reducing its water footprint and collaborating on water regeneration projects worldwide²
3. Tata Group: In collaboration with the Water Footprint Network and the International Finance Corporation, Tata Group has recently published a report detailing the results of a joint project to develop its corporate water sustainability framework, promote sustainable water use in its 12 factories across India, and contribute to global knowledge on sustainable corporate water management³.