Water is essential to life and forms part of the environment. Although water covers 70% of our planet, only 3% of the world’s water is freshwater, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use. Many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. Rivers, lakes, and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use. More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared. Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others. These global concerns have created pressure on organizations to implement water efficiency programs related to water resources and the efficient use of it
ISO 46001:2019
The international standard ISO 46001:2019 specifies water efficiency management system requirements and contains guidance for its use. This standard may help an organization to develop and implement a water efficiency policy through the establishment of objectives, targets, action plans, monitoring, benchmarking, and review programs. These should take into account any requirements related to significant water use. A water efficiency management system enables an organization to achieve its relevant policy commitments and take action as needed to improve its water management according to the requirements of ISO 46001.
Scope
Normative references
Terms and Definitions
Context of the organization
Leadership and Planning
Support and Operation
Performance evaluation
Improvement
Application of ISO 46001:2019 may be tailored to fit the specific requirements of the organization, including the complexity of its system, the degree of documentation, and available resources.
In any organization, water might be used for a variety of purposes, including the following:
- cleaning
- transportation
- heating and cooling
- manufacturing a product and as part of a product
- drinking
- sanitation
- irrigation
- fire suppression
- recreational, water sport, and aesthetic purposes.
- Public or private water suppliers/providers.
- Power plants
- Food industries
- Wastewater treatment plants.
The basic benefits of setting and implementing a Water Efficiency Management System according to the requirements of ISO 46001:2019 are the following:
- Effective water management and water demand improvement
- Understanding and improving water use in the company
- Process of periodic review, and opportunity to improve water efficiency and the water balance sheet
- Cost savings through efficient water management
- More accurate data for sustainability reporting
- Demonstrates market innovation
- Improvement of the corporate image and reputation of the company
CERTIFΙCATION WITH EUROCERT
EUROCERT is the largest Greek independent certification body, accredited by ESYD, with offices in more than 40 countries worldwide. Certification with Eurocert means evaluation and acceptance from an accredited and recognized/well-respected Certification body.
- We have strong and experienced staff and associates, who as inspectors/auditors and / or technical experts carry out inspections of high added value for your company.
- We make sure to keep you informed and updated of any local and/or international changes that concern your certification scope
- Our accreditation covers a wide range of standards and products; thus, we are able to provide you with holistic solutions regarding management system certification.