What is Water Footprint?
Water footprint is an environmental indicator that quantitatively represents the total amount of freshwater consumed directly or indirectly by a product, service, or organization. This indicator is critically important for the sustainability of water resources. It is calculated by considering the amount of water used at every stage of the production process. Applicable across a wide range of sectors such as agriculture, industry, energy, and services, this concept plays a strategic role in water management.
Water footprint encompasses not only the amount of water consumed but also the sources of water, the risk of depletion of these sources, and their environmental impacts. It is divided into subcategories such as blue, green, and grey water footprints to enable detailed analysis. Thus, organizations can make informed decisions to reduce water consumption, increase recovery practices, and minimize environmental impacts.
Definition
Water footprint is an indicator that quantitatively shows the direct and indirect water use of an activity or product, serving as a measure of environmental performance.
ISO 14046 standard and its scope
ISO 14046 is an international management standard developed to assess the water footprint of products, processes, or organizations. Based on ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 life cycle assessments, this standard enables the systematic measurement of water use and impacts. The environmental effects of water consumption are considered not only volumetrically but also in relation to local water stress, impacts on biodiversity, and recovery capacity.
The scope of the standard is quite broad. It evaluates the water impacts occurring not only in production processes but at all stages from raw material supply to the final consumer. Thus, businesses can analyze water use not only within their facilities but throughout their supply chain. This approach contributes not only to environmental but also to economic sustainability.
Life Cycle Focused
Water footprint assessment covers the entire supply chain and provides systematic analysis.
International Compliance
ISO 14046 is a globally accepted water management standard applicable across all sectors.
Water use analysis for industrial enterprises
Industrial facilities are structures that use large amounts of water in their production processes. This use may occur directly in production, cooling systems, cleaning processes, or raw material processing. Analyses conducted within the scope of ISO 14046 allow these enterprises to address their impacts on water resources from both environmental and operational perspectives. The analysis process is not limited to measuring water quantity; data such as the sources of water, quality, and discharge methods are also taken into account.
Industrial analyses often have sector-specific differences. For example, the water use profile of a textile factory differs completely from that of an energy plant. Therefore, water footprint studies should be designed according to the sector, considering factors such as enterprise size, geographical location, and production type. This way, realistic, feasible, and optimizable improvement plans can be developed.
Direct and indirect water consumption
Within the scope of ISO 14046, water consumption is evaluated under two main categories: direct water consumption and indirect water consumption. Direct water consumption refers to the water used within the enterprise’s own facilities. This usage is generally seen in activities such as production, cleaning, cooling, or energy generation. Indirect water consumption covers the amount of water spent by other producers within the supply chain but contributing to the final product.
For example, a food manufacturer consumes direct water in the production line, while indirect water consumption corresponds to the water used in cultivating vegetables or grains that serve as raw materials. Indirect consumption is often unnoticed but can constitute a large part of the total water footprint. Therefore, sustainability goals should not focus solely on in-house use but cover the entire supply chain. This approach not only protects resources but also enables more effective evaluation of environmental factors in supplier selection and logistics strategies.
Direct Water Use
Includes the physically consumed or evaporated water within facility boundaries.
Indirect Water Use
Water spent during raw material production, transportation, and supply processes, indirectly reflected on the enterprise.
Water risk assessment methods
Scarcity, pollution, and seasonal variability of water resources pose significant strategic risks for enterprises. Therefore, ISO 14046 emphasizes not only the measurement of water usage but also the assessment of water-related risks. Water risk assessment includes factors such as local water stress, water quality, availability of alternative sources, and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.
The assessment process is generally a multi-layered structure that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Tools like WRI Aqueduct and WWF Water Risk Filter provide global water risk mapping and data modeling. Thus, enterprises can proactively analyze not only the risks they currently face but also potential future water scarcity scenarios. These analysis results play a decisive role in updating water management policies and making investment decisions.
Warning
Enterprises that do not conduct water risk assessments may face serious crises in production continuity and regulatory compliance.
Certification process and verification
Organizations seeking ISO 14046 certification must first collect and analyze their water footprint data and transparently document all processes. These documents should include life cycle-based water use reports, risk assessment results, data sources, and assumptions, creating a comprehensive system. The certification process begins with an internal self-assessment and continues with a verification step conducted by an independent body.
Verification aims to confirm the reliability, methodological integrity, and compliance of the submitted data with the standard. This step checks that water footprint calculations are performed according to valid standards, data is traceable, and reports are consistently prepared. Organizations that successfully pass verification become eligible to receive the ISO 14046 certificate. This certificate is proof not only of environmental awareness but also of corporate transparency.
- Step 1: Collection and analysis of water use and risk data
- Step 2: Preparation of reports and technical documentation compliant with the standard
- Step 3: On-site verification and certification by an independent body
Environmental impact reduction planning with KIOSCERT
One of the main goals of the ISO 14046 standard is not only measurement but also the development of sustainable actions based on these measurements. The steps organizations take to reduce their environmental impacts must be scientifically based and supported by internationally accepted methodologies. At this point, the guidance of authorized verification bodies is crucial. KIOSCERT supports the shaping of applicable strategies to reduce environmental impact based on data obtained in the water footprint certification process.
During the planning phase, steps such as improving high water consumption processes, establishing wastewater recovery systems, and making operational changes in water-stressed regions come to the fore. Such strategies not only reduce environmental impact but also increase resource efficiency and sustainability performance of the enterprise. Thanks to the evaluation outputs provided by KIOSCERT, companies gain value in terms of both reduced water consumption and supply chain and corporate reputation.
Water Saving Strategies
Water consumption is reduced through efficient equipment, process optimization, and recovery systems.
Data-Driven Planning
Measurable sustainability goals are set based on verified analysis results.