Certifications

WATER FOOTPRINT ASSESSMENT (WCA)

ISO 14046:2014

Water Footprint Assessment is a comprehensive, science-based methodology used to quantify the direct and indirect freshwater use associated with products, processes, organisations, or entire value chains. Developed by the Water Footprint Network (WFN) and further formalised under ISO 14046, this assessment provides a structured approach to understanding the environmental impact of water consumption across all stages of production and distribution. Unlike traditional water audits that focus solely on on-site water use, Water Footprint Assessment evaluates total freshwater dependency, including the water embedded in raw materials, energy generation, supply chain activities, chemical processing, and waste management. This holistic approach helps organisations identify water-intensive hotspots, assess supply-chain vulnerabilities, evaluate impacts on local water systems, and design effective water stewardship strategies. A Water Footprint is categorized into three components — Blue, Green, and Grey Water Footprints — each providing unique insights into water consumption patterns and pollution impacts. As water scarcity, climate change, and regulatory pressures intensify globally, Water Footprint Assessment has become an essential tool for organisations seeking to improve resource efficiency, reduce operational risks, and demonstrate responsible environmental management. Water footprint data is increasingly required for sustainability reporting frameworks such as GRI (303 – Water & Effluents), BRSR, EU CSRD (ESRS E3), CDP Water Security, and ESG investor disclosures, making it a critical component of modern sustainability strategy and value-chain transparency.