Water footprint refers to the total amount of fresh water consumed or polluted as a result of the activities of a product, service, or organization. This calculation encompasses not only the direct amount of water used in production, but also the water indirectly consumed in the supply chain.
Water footprint calculated within the framework of the internationally recognized
ISO 14046:2014 standard consists of three main components:
- Blue Water Footprint: Use of surface and groundwater.
- Green Water Footprint: Use of rainwater and soil moisture.
- Grey Water Footprint: The amount of water required for dilution of pollutants.
Through water footprint analysis, companies can better understand their water consumption and impacts on water resources, develop water efficiency strategies, and achieve their sustainability goals. It is a critical environmental indicator, especially for businesses operating in regions with high water stress.