What are the best sustainability performance metrics for water conservation?

Water conservation is a crucial aspect of sustainability, especially in the face of climate change, population growth, and pollution. But how can you measure and improve your water efficiency and impact as a business? In this article, we will explore some of the best sustainability performance metrics for water conservation, and how they can help you achieve your environmental and social goals.

1 Water footprint

A water footprint is a measure of how much water is used and affected by your activities, products, or services. It includes both direct and indirect water consumption, as well as water pollution and degradation. A water footprint can help you identify the sources and impacts of your water use, and compare them with the available water resources and quality in your region. By calculating your water footprint, you can also find opportunities to reduce your water demand, improve your water efficiency, and mitigate your water risks.

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Consider the following metrics: - Water usage efficiency: Measure water consumption per unit of output (eg. per 1 m3 or 1 pc. of proudct). - Water intensity: Calculate water usage in relation to revenue. - Water withdrawal: Quantify the total amount of water used. - Reuse and recycling rates: percentage of water that is treated and reused within the organization. - Wastewater treatment: effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes. - Supply chain water risk: identify potential vulnerabilities within the supply chain and implement mitigation strategies. - Community engagement: community water projects participation. - Water quality: measure pollutant levels. Selecting a combination of metrics.

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2 Water intensity

Water intensity is a ratio of how much water is used per unit of output, such as revenue, production, or energy. It is a simple and useful metric to track your water performance over time, and benchmark it against your peers or industry standards. Water intensity can help you set targets and monitor progress for your water conservation efforts, and communicate your achievements to your stakeholders. However, water intensity does not capture the full picture of your water impact, as it does not account for the quality, availability, and location of the water sources.

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3 Water stewardship

Water stewardship is a holistic approach to managing your water use and impact in a responsible and collaborative way. It involves assessing your water risks and opportunities, implementing best practices and innovations, engaging with your stakeholders and communities, and advocating for sustainable water policies and governance. Water stewardship can help you enhance your reputation, build trust and partnerships, and create value for your business and society. There are various frameworks and tools to guide you in your water stewardship journey, such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard, the CEO Water Mandate, and the Water Risk Filter.

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4 Water disclosure

Water disclosure is the process of reporting and sharing your water performance and impact with your internal and external stakeholders, such as investors, customers, regulators, and NGOs. Water disclosure can help you increase your transparency and accountability, demonstrate your commitment and leadership, and attract capital and support for your sustainability initiatives. There are several platforms and standards to help you disclose your water information, such as the CDP Water Security questionnaire, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators.

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5 Water valuation

Water valuation is the practice of assigning a monetary or non-monetary value to the benefits and costs of water use and impact. It can help you understand the true value of water for your business and society, and incorporate it into your decision making and strategy. Water valuation can help you optimize your water allocation and investment, evaluate your risks and opportunities, and measure your contribution to the water-related SDGs. There are different methods and tools to help you value water, such as the Natural Capital Protocol, the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) system, and the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sudha Setty (She/Her)

Consultant CoachI Certified Business Coach I Certified Life Coach I Founder at Melyoura - Be the better you.
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In my experience, water leakage and water theft should also be addressed and preventing water leakage and water theft can also be a performance metric for water sustainability.

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Padu S. Padmanaban

Author of "FIRST FUEL: India's Energy Efficiency Journey & a Radical Vision for Sustainability," International Consultant, Energy & Water Productivity
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To the list presented of metrics I would add: 1. Percapita consumption of water at the national, state and dwelling unit levels 2. Recycled water as a % of fresh water use 3. Intensity of water use , ie total water consumption in an industrial enterprise divided by total quantity of manufactured product in a given year ( KL / MT) 4. Water consumption norms of key end use equipment and processes. 5. Energy - Water Nexus defined broadly as KWh of electricity consumed in treatment, pumping and pipeline delivery of water to consumers ( kWh/ KL)

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Ravindra Brahmajosyula

Professor at Indian institute of Technology Jodhpur
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I would add Rain water harvesting schemes and their efficacy to water conservation measures. Water SCADA systems or simple meters are also needed in many cases to benchmark data driven water conservation. Inclusion of water conservation metrics in the green building rating formats such as LEED and GRIHA enables wider adoption. Water recycling metrics may be refined based on their end use as often low cost decentralised waste water treatments are used which may not need energy but serve limited purpose. Net zero metrics for different climate zones may be relevant to reflect water energy nexus!

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AM Narayanan

Practitioner : Energy projects & policies
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1.Water balace ( from water intakes entering into water distribution system upto the end use Vs. sum of quantity used by end use applications ), 2.Water end use efficiency and 3.Water budgeting including forecast models

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What are the best sustainability performance metrics for water conservation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Water footprint

2 Water intensity

3 Water stewardship

4 Water disclosure

5 Water valuation

6 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

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What are the best sustainability performance metrics for water conservation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Water footprint

2 Water intensity

3 Water stewardship

4 Water disclosure

5 Water valuation

6 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

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