A water footprint is a measure of the amount of water consumed or polluted in human activities. In our global economy, water footprints are exported and imported through traded products. Hence, water usage and water scarcity is both a local and a global
issue. A product consumed in North America may impact the water consumption and scarcity in South Africa. Companies as part of both local and global society must take responsibility for managing their water consumption in every link.
What is water management?
The water footprint of a company is the total volume of freshwater that is used to run and support that company. A water footprint is both direct and indirect. The direct water usage is the water that goes into the production and manufacturing of a product or service, while indirect water is used in the supply chain or in the use of a product. The total water footprint of a business must be seen in light of the suppliers. Your business’ water footprint consists of the water you and your suppliers use to manufacture the end products. Your most effective means for reducing your water footprint is to work with your partners in the supply chain.
Why manage your water footprint?
Water is a necessity in all kinds of production, from food to electronics, and we all depend on access to water in our daily lives. With current water management practices, we will only have enough water to satisfy 60 percent of water demand in 2030.
By assessing the water footprint of your products and corporation, setting clear targets to reduce it, and paying special attention to those areas where problems of water scarcity and pollution are most critical, you can ensure that this essential resource is available now and into the future. By proactively reducing your water footprint, you can turn water into a competitive advantage.
How can we assist
We are leading the industry when it comes to water management services, and we can help you navigate unknown waters. DNV GL can support your organization through:
- Water risk assessment: An analysis of company operations, geographic locations, level of scarcity etc. A water risk assessment is aimed at understanding and evaluating the scale and relevance of the potential environmental impacts related to water used by or within a product.
- Supply chain water risk assessment: Helps identify areas to focus on in your direct operations and supply chain. This could include analysis of data on water stress, drought, rainfall and estimates of water usage in different regions.
- Water footprint inventory review: An independent review of the methods, assumption and interpretation of water consumption data, according to existing and emerging water footprint standard and guidelines process or organization.
- Water footprint verification of products: An external verification of the water consumption for a specified product or category of products, using existing standards and initiatives.
- Water footprint verification of an organization or facility — An external verification of the water consumption within an organization or a facility, using existing standards and initiatives.
- Training courses — A wide range of training courses, covering all your needs in the domain of water footprint: From awareness to building competence and qualifying your employees.
