Solution: ISO 14046 – Water Footprint Assessment

ISO 14046 is the international standard for evaluating the water footprint of products, processes, and organizations. Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), it provides a consistent framework to quantify and report both the quantity of water consumed and the quality of water impacted throughout the value chain.

The standard enables businesses to understand their impact on water resources, manage consumption more efficiently, and embed responsible water use into their sustainability strategy.

Why ISO 14046 is important?
Water is a critical resource, and industries with high consumption or impact face growing regulatory, environmental, and reputational pressures. ISO 14046 offers a systematic approach to measuring and managing water use, helping organizations reduce risks, improve efficiency, and demonstrate accountability. Whether applied as a standalone evaluation or integrated into a broader environmental assessment, it strengthens the reliability of sustainability reporting and supports alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 13, and 14).

Key features of ISO 14046 – ISO 14046 sets out principles and requirements for:

• Quantitative assessment: measuring the volume of water used in products, processes, or organizational operations.
• Qualitative assessment: evaluating the impact of activities on water quality and availability.
• Impact mitigation: identifying opportunities to reduce water consumption, improve efficiency, and minimize degradation.
• Transparent reporting: ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency in disclosures, verified by independent third parties such as TÜV AUSTRIA.

Who is it for? – ISO 14046 is applicable to a wide range of organizations, particularly those that:

• Depend on significant water resources in their operations or supply chains.
• Seek to quantify and reduce their environmental impact.
• Aim to enhance the credibility of sustainability reports by including water footprint data.
• Align their strategies with international climate and environmental commitments.

Benefits of verification – Independent verification in line with ISO 14046 provides:

• Credibility and trust: accurate, verified data strengthens confidence among stakeholders, regulators, and customers.
• Operational efficiency: detailed assessments identify areas to reduce water use and lower costs.
• Regulatory and market compliance: supports reporting obligations and ESG requirements.
• Reputation and leadership: demonstrates a proactive commitment to sustainable water management and environmental responsibility.

How TÜV AUSTRIA supports you
As an independent certification body, TÜV AUSTRIA verifies water footprint assessments in accordance with ISO 14046. Our experts ensure that your evaluation meets international standards of transparency, reliability, and completeness, giving your stakeholders confidence in your environmental performance.

Contact us today to learn how ISO 14046 verification can support your sustainability strategy and water management goals.