Water Footprint Verification - ISO 14046

What is the Water Footprint?

The Water Footprint is an environmental indicator that measures the total volume of freshwater used, directly or indirectly, to produce goods or services throughout the entire supply chain and consumption process. Verification of the Water Footprint in accordance with ISO 14046 is an assessment and verification process that enables companies to measure, manage, and reduce their impact on water resources.

The Water Footprint Network (WFN) is an organisation that provides a standardised methodology and specific criteria for the calculation and assessment of the water footprint of products, processes, and organisations.

How Does Water Footprint Verification Work?

This service from Applus+ Certification verifies compliance with the requirements and conditions established throughout the life cycle of an organisation’s products, services, and activities, allowing the identification of improvement opportunities and optimising water use.

The main objective is for organisations to evaluate their Water Footprint, identify critical points of water consumption, and manage water use more efficiently, thereby reducing their environmental impact and aligning with best sustainability practices.

Why Is Water Footprint Important?

By measuring water use across supply chains, organisations can identify inefficiencies, reduce environmental impact, and ensure responsible water management. This is especially vital in regions facing water scarcity, helping businesses align with global sustainability goals, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations.

What Is the Water Footprint Network (WFN)?

The Water Footprint Network (WFN) is an organisation that provides a standardised methodology and specific criteria for calculating and evaluating the Water Footprint of products, processes, and organisations.

Who Is the Water Footprint Aimed at?

This verification is intended for the following entities:

• Companies with high water consumption, such as those in the agro-food, chemical, textile, paper, manufacturing, and mining industries, that wish to manage their water use efficiently and reduce their environmental impact.
• Organisations operating in areas of water stress, which need to demonstrate responsible water management.
• Multinational corporations seeking to standardise their sustainability policies globally and comply with international environmental regulations.
• Businesses that aim to anticipate future regulations and be prepared to comply with possible legislation on sustainable water management and use.
• Industrial projects or infrastructure initiatives wanting to evaluate the water impact of their activities and demonstrate a responsible approach to using natural resources.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Water Footprint?

Having a Water Footprint can benefit a company in several ways:

• Facilitates more efficient use of water in products, processes, and organisations.
• Identifies opportunities to enhance the organisation’s environmental performance within its sustainability strategy.
• Manages strategic risks linked to water consumption and supports better decision-making.
• Leads to cost reductions.
• Strengthens leadership, brand value, and positioning by providing customers with transparent information on a product’s water use, offering a competitive advantage.
• Complements the Carbon Footprint.
• Allows the organisation to anticipate potential legislative changes related to water use and eases access to green financing sources.

Why Choose Applus+ Certification to Verify the Water Footprint?

Verifying a product’s Water Footprint with Applus+ Certification ensures international recognition, granting credibility and prestige across all markets. Applus+ Certification guarantees a rigorous and transparent process, with thorough verifications that comply with ISO 14067.

Applus+ Certification’s technical expertise allows the verification process to be adapted to each company’s specific needs, identifying opportunities to reduce water usage. In addition, this verification enhances corporate reputation and facilitates access to markets and tenders that value and emphasise sustainability.