Quantify the freshwater consumption of your product or service processes to minimize resource waste and reduce your environmental impact.
Water footprint ISO 14046
Measure consumption and eliminate waste
Water footprint
Water footprint: what is it?
The Water Footprint concept, aligned with the ISO 14064 standard, is an analytical methodology that evaluates water consumption, encompassing both the direct and indirect water use required to produce goods or service.
Quantification is based on the volumes of water consumed or polluted over a specific period, including water lost to evaporation or directly incorporated into the products themselves.
Understanding these components allows for a comprehensive and precise assessment of an organization’s water footprint and its production processes. This data enables the adoption of more sustainable practices and the responsible management of water resources.
The Benefits
Why calculate your Water Footprint? Business Continuity
In a world defined by water scarcity, where “water bankruptcy” is already a reality, measuring the strain your company or product places on local water reserves is no longer just about ethics: it’s about Business Continuity.
- Mitigate environmental impact across your local territory and supply chain
- Identify water hotspots throughout the product life cycle
- Optimize water usage within production processes
- Enhance product sustainability value for costumers and stakeholders
- Support regulatory compliance and ESG reporting standards
The Water Footprint is more than just an environmental indicatori; it is a powerful tool for management and competitive advantage.
The 3 components
The components of Water Footprint
Measure your business impact on water resources in accordance with the ISO 14064 standard.
Green water
The green water footprint represents the rainwater absorbed by the soil and utilized by plants for growth. This component is primarily associated with agricultural supply chains.
Blue water
The blue water footprint is the freshwater withdrawn from surface or groundwater sources and used without being returned to its original source. This component is typically associated with water consumed in agricultural, domestic or industrial applications.
Grey water
The grey water footprint represents the volume of water required to dilute pollutants generated during a process, ensuring they reach concentrations that are compatible with the natural quality standards of the receiving water body.
Water footprint consulting
The journey to ISO 14046
We don't just tell you "how many liters you consume". We show you where you consume them and how critical that withdrawal is relative to local water availability.
#1 Step
Goal definition
Together we decide whether to analyze a single product (Water Footprint of Product) or the entire organization.
#2 Step
Water Inventory
We gather real-world data, not just your direct consumption, but also the “hidden” water embedded in your supply chain.
#3 Step
Environmental impact assessment
We leverage scientific database to understand exactly how your water withdrawals affect the local ecosystem.
#4 Step
Mitigation planning and reporting
We deliver a comprehensive technical report, but more importantly, we provide a list of concrete actions to drive your water efficiency.
Do you want to know how much water you’re wasting?
Water isn’t infinite. Your ability to manage it must be.
The advantage of a certified water strategy
Request more infoOperational Resilience
Identify water bottlenecks within your facilities to prevent production shutdown during periods of drought.
ESG Compliance (CSRD)
The new European reporting standards (ESRS E2) require precise, audited data on your water impact.
Supplier rating
Major international players prioritize partners who demonstrate responsible management of scarce resources.
Cost optimization
Reducing water waste leads directly to lower procurement, treatment and energy costs.
The return on investment
The ROI of Water Footprint
A Water Footprint is more than just an environmental tool. It is a strategic investment with measurable financial returns (ROI). By addressing water “hotspots”, your organization can:
- lower costs for water procurement, treatment and discharge
- boost efficiency across all production processes
- mitigate risks associated with water stress, supply chain disruptions and rising utility prices
FAQ
What is a Water Footprint?
It is an analytical methodology used to measure the total water consumption associated with a product or an organization throughout its entire life cycle.
Is the Water Footprint mandatory?
Currently, it is required by ESG ratings and many public tenders. However, the CSRD effectively makes it a necessity for any organization required to report on their sustainability performance.
Is it only for industrial companies?
No. it can be applied across all manufacturing and agricultural sectors, as well as to service providers, to evaluate both direct consumption and indirect impacts.
How long does an analysis take?
Timeline depends on the complexity of your supply chain, but a comprehensive analysis typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks.
Can it be integrated with LCA and EPD?
Yes. The Water Footprint is a complementary indicatori to LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and can be seamlessly integrated into EPDs and ESG reports.
Related services
Join the growing list of companies that have already chosen EcoLoop to assess the impact of their products and services.
Do you want to measure and reduce the water consumption of your company or products?
Contact us for a dedicated consultation.
