The Story of Water: What Can We Do to Reduce Our Water Footprint?

Climate change and global warming are serious threats to natural life worldwide, and we are all responsible for ensuring the sustainability of water resources and leaving clean water for future generations. In this bulletin, we will address the topic of "Water Footprint," discussing the environmental impacts of water use and the measures we can take individually and corporately for sustainability.

Today, at least 40% of the global population experiences water scarcity. It is predicted that in the coming years, water shortages will become more frequent, affecting one in every four people. Beyond contributing to preventing water scarcity, water conservation is essential to make the planet's resources more just and sustainable.

The water footprint is a term that indicates the amount and type of water consumed in a unit of production. Water footprint inventory calculations provide information on how much water needs to be saved and the impacts this may have on the production process. Beyond direct water use, it is an essential indicator that reveals indirect water consumption. By using these indicators, we can make more water savings.

Individual Water Conservation: Let’s Leave a Drop of Water for the Future

Each of us has the power to make significant steps toward sustainable water use in our daily lives by making small-scale changes. These small steps will create a big impact collectively, playing an important role in the sustainability of water resources and the health of future generations.

Saving Water: Saving water in daily life has a significant impact. We can reduce our water consumption with simple actions like turning off the water while brushing our teeth, taking shorter showers, and making sure taps are fully closed.

Using Low Water Consumption Devices: Choosing devices and equipment with low water consumption ensures less water use at home or at work. Opting for energy and water-efficient appliances and fixtures contributes to water conservation.

Preventing Leaks: Leaks are a significant cause of water loss. Fixing and preventing leaks in faucets, pipes, and toilets prevents water waste.

Developing Climate-Friendly Habits: Adopting more eco-friendly habits considering the effects of climate change on water resources reduces our impact on water. For example, reducing energy consumption can decrease indirect water consumption.

Raising Water Awareness: Talking about water conservation and sustainable water use with people around us and participating in awareness campaigns increases societal awareness about water.

Did You Know?

• It takes 140 liters of water to produce a cup of coffee. This is the water consumption associated with the coffee you drink.

• Producing a cotton T-shirt requires an average of 2,700 liters of water. This represents the amount of water used for one of your T-shirts in the wardrobe.

• To produce one kilogram of chocolate, about 17,000 liters of water is used. This is the fascinating amount of water behind the chocolate you enjoy.

• The energy sector also consumes large amounts of water. For one megawatt hour of electricity production, hydroelectric plants use an average of 1,000-2,000 liters, while thermal plants use 800-1,500 liters of water.

• It takes about 6,000 liters of water to produce one ton of paper.

• In the technology sector, companies are estimated to use an average of 16,000 liters of water to produce one microchip.

• It takes about 3,500 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice, and approximately 15,000 liters of water is required for one kilogram of beef.

• One adult avocado plant consumes 68 liters of water.

Corporate Water Footprint: A company’s water footprint is defined as the total volume of freshwater used directly or indirectly to operate and support a business. A company’s water footprint includes water used for production/manufacturing or support activities, as well as indirect water consumption from the company's supply chain.

The water footprint provides essential information not only about water consumption but also about water pollution. Determining, verifying, and reducing a company’s water footprint contributes to the development of water management strategies and the sustainable management of water resources. This is crucial for reducing environmental impacts and protecting water resources.

Strategies and Practices to Reduce Water Footprint in Businesses:

• Increasing Water Efficiency: Companies can adopt water-saving technologies and equipment to ensure efficient water use. It is possible to achieve the same or better performance with less water.

• Water Recycling: Water recycling and reuse help use water more efficiently. Industrial businesses can recycle and purify water used in production processes for reuse.

• Monitoring and Managing Water Resources: Monitoring and managing water resources is crucial for understanding and optimizing water consumption and wastewater. Continuous data collection about the status and use of water resources is necessary for sustainable water management.

• Reducing Water Loss: Preventing leaks and ensuring the effective use of water resources is essential. Regularly inspecting and repairing water systems minimizes water loss.

• Sustainable Water Supply Chain: All stakeholders in the supply chain must prioritize sustainable water use. Protecting water resources, using water efficiently, and reducing pollution should be considered at every stage of the supply chain.

• Product and Process Improvements: Innovative approaches should be adopted to conserve water in product design and production processes. Developing products that require less water and optimizing production processes to be less water-intensive should be targeted.

These measures can effectively reduce the water footprint and help businesses adopt a more sustainable water use strategy. This will contribute to reducing environmental impacts and, in the long term, increasing operational efficiency.

The water footprint allows companies and individuals to answer questions such as:

• How dependent is my company on water in its operations or supply chain?

• What is the impact on consumption and costs?

• How effective are the regulations that protect our water resources?

• How secure are our food or energy sources?

• Can I do something to reduce my own water footprint and help manage water for both people and nature?

ISO 14046 Standard and Water Footprint Inventory Verification

ISO 14046
Today, the protection of water resources and sustainable water management are becoming increasingly important. Effectively evaluating and managing water use is a critical step for businesses and organizations to reach environmental sustainability goals. The ISO 14046 Standard is a tool developed to address this need.

Türk Loydu, with its professional and experienced team, provides support to businesses and organizations in measuring, evaluating, and reporting their water usage under the ISO 14046 Standard. Our verification services help improve your company’s water management performance by providing reliable and transparent information to your stakeholders.

CDP Carbon Disclosure Projects Water Footprint Declarations Verification

CDP Carbon Disclosure Project
The CDP Carbon Disclosure Project is an initiative focused on reducing environmental impact. Businesses, organizations, and institutions use the CDP platform to disclose and reduce their carbon and water footprints. Verification of water footprint declarations is a crucial part of providing reliable information to stakeholders and the public.

Türk Loydu has a competent and experienced team for verifying water footprint declarations under the CDP Carbon Disclosure Project. During the verification process of water footprint declarations, the reliability and accuracy of data are thoroughly examined. In this way, our clients can be assured that their water use declarations have been verified by a reputable third-party organization.

Join Us, Let’s Step Towards a Sustainable Future Together!

We are transferring our expertise and experience to the industry to help businesses, organizations, and public institutions achieve their sustainable water use goals. Our services provide valuable contributions to all our customers aiming to lead in environmental sustainability and social responsibility. With the responsibility of preserving water resources and leaving a clean and abundant world for future generations, we are proud to contribute to the industry by verifying water footprint inventories and declarations.

If you are ready to take steps toward sustainable water use and reducing environmental impact, contact us. Together, we are ready to create a positive impact on the world by protecting water resources and stepping into a sustainable future.

We know the value of water and, with our verification services, we are fighting together for a cleaner and more livable world.