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What is the water footprint
The Water Footprint (or water footprint) is a multidimensional indicator that makes it possible to evaluate potentials environmental impacts related to water use. It is not limited to measuring the volumes taken, but considers both the quantity Let it be the quality of the water resources used, distinguishing between direct and indirect consumption throughout the entire life cycle of a product, process or organization.
In a global context increasingly marked by water stress and, in Italy, from phenomena of overexploitation and groundwater pollution, the water footprint represents a fundamental tool for:
- quantify and communicate the impacts on water in a transparent way;
- optimize the management of water resources in production processes;
- support businesses on the path towards more responsible and sustainable management.
The reference standard is the UNI EN ISO 14046, a sustainability certification published internationally in 2014 and subsequently transposed also in Italy. This standard defines principles, requirements and guidelines for the assessment of the water footprint, based on the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Precisely the LCA approach ensures a Full vision: every phase of the life cycle, from the production of raw materials, to transformation, to use up to the end of life, is analyzed to understand potential impacts on water resources. In this way, the study of the water footprint can constitute an independent analysis or be integrated into a larger LCA study, strengthening the understanding of the link between production, consumption and sustainability.
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Why is the water footprint important for companies
Water is a fundamental resource for life and for production processes, but at the same time it is increasingly exposed to risks of scarcity, pollution and regulatory pressures.
La Water Footprint It is therefore a fundamental tool for companies that want to become aware of their impacts and integrate sustainability and competitiveness standing out on the market!
Measuring your water footprint doesn't just mean Know the consumption, but also to acquire conscience environmental impacts and opportunities for improvement.
In particular, the water footprint makes it possible to improve water efficiency, helping companies to identify waste and areas of optimization along the value chain. At the same time, it allows reduce environmental impacts, offering the scientific basis for defining mitigation actions and strategies for responsible resource management.
Another crucial element concerns the risk management.
Extreme weather events, more stringent regulations and growing social pressures make water a strategic resilience factor. Knowing your water footprint means anticipating critical scenarios and strengthening business continuity.
The water footprint also assumes a value of communication and transparency: stakeholders such as investors, customers and institutions expect companies to show attention to sustainability and to clearly report their impacts.
A structured approach to water management thus reinforces reputation and trust.
Finally, the data deriving from the analysis of the water footprint become a concrete support to strategic decisions and innovation. Designing products and processes considering their impacts, in fact, is not only an environmental duty, but also an opportunity for long-term differentiation and growth.
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How to obtain ISO 14046
Get the ISO 14046 certification means to demonstrate, through a rigorous and recognized process at an international level, the company's commitment to sustainable management of water resources. The path requires the implementation of the guidelines of the standard and verification by a accredited certification body.
Let's see what are the main steps to obtain certification
1. Understand the standard and its requirements
The first step is to get to know in depth the principles of ISO 14046, which defines how to evaluate and declare the water footprint of products, processes and organizations with a life cycle approach (LCA).
2. Implement a compliant management system
The organization must structure internal processes and procedures to collect and analyze data related to water use. This includes consumption, withdrawals and quality impacts throughout the entire life cycle.
3. Data collection and analysis
The data collected are processed to quantify potential environmental impacts related to water and translate them into indicators as per ISO standards. This phase provides the scientific basis for the audit.
4. Selection of an accredited certification body
It is necessary to contact a third, independent and recognized body that can verify the organization's compliance with the standard.
5. Certification Audit
- Request: the company submits an application to the certifying body.
- Initial Audit: the auditor team evaluates the implemented system, the data collected and their compliance with the requirements of ISO 14046.
- Issuance of the certificate: in case of a positive outcome, the organization obtains official certification.
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The 6 advantages for companies that are certified according to ISO 14046
The ISO 14046 Water Footprint certification is not only a formal recognition, but a real strategic tool that allows companies to strengthen its competitiveness, improve efficiency and respond to growing market expectations by obtaining a competitive advantage compared to the competition. Here are the main advantages:
1. Better management of water resources
Certification helps companies monitor, quantify and optimize water use throughout the entire life cycle of products and processes, reducing waste and inefficiency.
2. Reduction of risks and operating costs
A more efficient use of water makes it possible not only to reduce environmental impacts, but also to reduce costs related to water and energy consumption, as well as to mitigate the risks associated with the scarcity or quality of the resource.
3. More targeted environmental policies
Through the assessment of the water footprint, the organization can identify the most impactful processes and develop specific environmental strategies, thus supporting a concrete and measurable sustainability approach.
4. Strengthening image and reputation
Certified companies can communicate their environmental commitment in a transparent way, strengthening the trust of stakeholders and improving their visibility on national and international markets.
5. Transparency and information for consumers
The certified water footprint provides reliable and scientifically validated data, which can be shared with customers, investors and partners. This promotes a relationship of greater trust and helps to distinguish the company from the competition.
6. Access to new markets and opportunities
Increasingly, large retailers and end consumers require concrete evidence of sustainability. Having the ISO 14046 certification allows you to access markets that are more sensitive to issues ESG and to intercept new customer segments.
