ISO 14046 Water Footprint Verification

Water footprint verification by ISO 14046

Water footprint verification by ISO 14046 is a process of assessing and verifying the water footprint of products, processes, and organizations according to the guidelines set by the ISO 14046 standard. The water footprint is a measure of the amount of water used throughout the life cycle of a product, process, or organization. It takes into account the water used for irrigation, manufacturing, cleaning, and other activities. By calculating and verifying the water footprint according to the ISO 14046 standard, companies can identify opportunities to reduce their water consumption, to improve their water efficiency, and to manage their water-related risks.

How to get ISO 14046 certified?

The verification process involves a third-party audit to ensure that the water footprint calculation methodology used for a product, process, or organization is in compliance with the ISO 14046 standard. The audit verifies that the calculation is accurate and reliable and it follows the guidelines set by the ISO 14046 standard. The verification process provides transparency and credibility for companies that want to communicate their environmental performance to customers and stakeholders.

To get ISO 14046 certified, companies need to follow a few steps:

• Identify the scope: Companies need to identify the scope of their water footprint assessment and decide which products, processes, or organizations they want to certify. Develop a water footprint assessment: Companies need to develop a water footprint assessment according to the ISO 14046 standard. This involves collecting data on water use throughout the product’s life cycle and calculating the water footprint using the methodology outlined in the ISO 14046 standard.
• Conduct a third-party audit: Companies need to engage a third-party auditor to conduct an audit of their water footprint assessment. The auditor will verify that the assessment methodology and calculation are in compliance with the ISO 14046 standard.
• Certification: If the audit is successful and the company is in compliance with the ISO 14046 standard, the company can receive ISO 14046 certification. The certification is valid for three years, after which the company needs to undergo a recertification audit.

Why certify according to the ISO 14046 standard?

Certifying according to the ISO 14046 standard helps companies to demonstrate their environmental responsibility, to identify opportunities to improve water efficiency, to manage their water-related risks, differentiate from competitors, and  to comply with regulatory requirements.

When choosing ISO 14046 you will:

• Demonstrate environmental responsibility: ISO 14046 certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainable water management and environmental responsibility. By obtaining certification, companies can communicate their environmental performance to the customers, stakeholders, and publicly.
• Identify opportunities to improve water efficiency: The water footprint assessment process outlined in the ISO 14046 standard helps companies to identify opportunities to reduce their water usage and to improve their water efficiency.
• Differentiate from competitors: Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for products that are produced in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. By communicating their environmental performance and obtaining certification, companies can attract environmentally conscious customers and gain a competitive advantage.
• Comply with regulatory requirements: In some cases, ISO 14046 certification may be required to comply with the regulatory requirements. For example, some countries have mandatory reporting requirements for water usage and environmental performance, and ISO 14046 certification may be necessary to demonstrate compliance.