1. Water footprint: Principles, requirements and guidelines
ISO 14046
Water footprint: Principles, requirements and guidelines
Jihad Abu Jamous
Arab Water Week
Jordan
March 2017

2. impacts almost Water resource management all aspects of human activity
The issue of water and its management has become increasingly central to the global debate on Sustaintable Development.
The current situation will be presented from International/goverment objectives and industry/consumer perspectives at a global level.
Discuss with trainees the different aspects within the MENA region, identify resources and materials.

3. Water: a worldwide issue
It is estimated that nearly 2.4 billion people lives without proper access to sanitation, and 780 millions people lives without access to clean water. 6-8 millions people die each year due to the consequences of water related diseases.
The map below (source: Aqueduct – WRI) shows the prioritized countries related to access to water.

4. 40% Global Water Crisis Global water shortage by 2030
A report by McKinsey and Water Resources Group reported that by 2030 we will face a 40% water gap worldwide (difference between available supply and estimated future use).
40%
Global water shortage by 2030

5. Global Water Gap (WRG 2030)

6. Participants will read the ISO 14046 3
Participants will read the ISO terms and definitions and relate to the activity of drawing the water cycle in their country/region, identifying the main types of water and water bodies.

7. http://environment. nationalgeographic

8. http://environment. nationalgeographic

9. Spatial Precipitation Distribution
A Water Problem?
Spatial Precipitation Distribution
This map indicates the spatial variability of water availability in the form of precipitation. One can see that some population centers are not optimal from the perspective of water resources.
From “Water footprint – training material” © UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative, Pfister S. Boulay AM (2013)
Location Matters!!!!
Source: Mitchell et al. 2003, From “Water footprint – training material” © UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative, Pfister S. Boulay AM (2013)

10. Population Distribution
A Water Problem?
Population Distribution
Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University, "Grided Population of the World"
Population density is an indicator for water demand. Future changes in population and water intensity are predicted to dominate changes in future water scarcity.
From “Water footprint – training material” © UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative, Pfister S. Boulay AM (2013)
Intensity of water use somewhat related to population
Unit: persons/km²
Source: Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University, "Grided Population of the World"

11. Water resources demand v/s resources replenishment
A Water Problem?
Water resources demand v/s resources replenishment
In order to assess the impacts, also the presented indicators need to be adjusted as shown here for the WSI and the predicted situation in 2050 (as derived form the expansion scenario in this map).
From “Water footprint – training material” © UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative, Pfister S. Boulay AM (2013)
Projections to 2050
Based on WaterGAP (Alcamo et al. 2007)
Pfister et al. 2011c

12. The water footprint stream: Initiatives and timeline
WBCSD guide
Launch of the
BIER first guidelines on water footprint
2007
2008
2009
2010
Better accounting of water within the
August
Launch of the
DJSI financial ranking
Start of ISO 14’046 work
CDP Water Questionnaire
Launch of the
WULCA,
WF Framework

13. The water footprint stream: Initiatives and timeline
Draft 3
Tool released and functional
Water economic valuation
2011
2012
2013
2014
Draft 2
Local water tool
Ecoivent v3
Integrates water comprehensively
WULCA,
Review of methods
ISO 14046
published
Water valuation
Guidelines
Release of one of the most extensive WF database on crops
AWS Water Stewardship Standard
Certification system to be ready by end 2014

14. 1.3 Introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA)
Module A - Introduction
1.3 Introduction to life cycle assessment
Each trainer will introduce life cycle assessment with selected material from:
and/or
Footprint basic training material Powerpoint slides

15. A product’s full Life Cycle is the series of stages that each product inevitably goes through. The life cycle can be from the time raw materials are first removed from the ground, continues through various stages of manufacturing and transportation, through use and finally to re-capture, recycling and perhaps final discard and deposition. In many cases, the life cycle of a product will include re-use of components, and recycling of materials.
Supporting Case Study, “ESAB Welding Consumables & Equipment” – see “Case Studies and Resources” section in manual – It illustrates how “recycling” is considered a business opportunity at the product “end of life” phase in the life cycle
Supporting Case Study, “Green Management at Sony” – see “Case Studies and Resources” section in manual – It illustrates how the company examines the entire life cycle of a product, in order to identify points in the life cycle at which environmental impacts are greatest, and thus, priorities for improvement

16. Extraction or acquisition of raw materials
This representation of the life cycle stages of a cotton t-shirt illustrates some of the environmental aspects, and types of issues that come to mind when you consider the entire system, using life cycle thinking. Note this representation does not incorporate the social issues associated with a typical t-Shirt.
[Note to Trainer: The exercise at the end of the module looks at the life cycle of a piece of clothing and re-uses this diagram there to generate some thought]
In the 1990s with a greater appreciation of the environmental impacts of production, in part as a result of ISO standards on Life Cycle Assessment, products were evaluated through each stage of their life-cycle to ascertain the environmental impacts associated with:
Extraction or acquisition of raw materials
Manufacturing and processing
Distribution and transportation
Use and reuse
Recycling
Disposal
For each stage, users identify inputs of materials and energy received; outputs of useful product and waste emissions and find optimal points for improvement. This led to a clear understanding of the unintended, adverse impacts and a recognition of the potential to address those. Today, we have seen a number of improvements in the impacts created by a t-shirt’s production.
This thinking has helped companies to think through the multiple and often complex environmental impacts of providing a product or service. However, it has its limitations in that it does not incorporate social and economic impacts in an overt or targeted manner....
Click...
Worldwatch Institute, Worldwatch Paper 166: Purchasing Power: Harnessing Institutional Procurement for People and the Planet, July 2003,

17. What are the impacts of your clothes?
Purpose and Objectives: This exercise is designed to introduce the participants to other members of the group while discussing the topics introduced by the presentation thus far.
Materials: Note pads for each group and a method of documenting a group discussion at the end of the exercise.
Facilitating the Activity:
Ask the group to break off into groups of three to five
Get each group to select one article of clothing from one of its members and look at the tag to see where the article was made.
Ask each group to brainstorm / discuss the social, economic and environmental impacts and benefits of this product throughout its life cycle keeping in mind what has been discussed about Life Cycle Management (15 to 20 minutes)
Example Questions: What tools, concepts, strategies, etc. should be used in considering the impact of the article of clothing throughout its lifecycle? What could be done at each step of the production process to minimize impacts / maximize the benefits of this product?
Once the groups have had sufficient time to work through the exercise, re-group and ask each to present key points raised during their discussions. Compare and contrast the themes, issues and ideas amongst groups, discuss solutions groups raised, and address questions that arose from the exercise.
Note: If training group is less than 10 people the whole group may re-form for this part of the exercise, however if the group is larger than 10 people it may be more effective to combine 3 sub-groups to discuss findings rather than the entire training group.

18. In regards to the disposal of t-shirts they are often sent to less developed countries to be re-sold (often in markets such as this). This provides a low cost alternative to purchasing new clothing in these countries. However, it also undermines the local demand for new products and makes it difficult if not impossible for local manufacturers to leverage local economies of scale to then compete on the international stage. It also shifts the burden of disposal to these countries and may affect demand patterns leading people to replace shirts at a higher rate than normal as a result of their low cost.

19. The principles of the ISO 14046:
The slide shows the principle of environmental perspective.
4.2 Life cycle perspective
A water footprint assessment of a product considers all stages of the life cycle of this product, as
appropriate, from raw material acquisition to final disposal. Through such a systematic overview and
perspective, the shifting of a potential environmental burden between life cycle stages or individual
processes can be identified and possibly avoided. A water footprint assessment of an organization adopts
a life cycle perspective based on all of its activities. If appropriate and justified, the water footprint
assessment may be restricted to one or several life cycle stages.

22. The reasons for conducting the study
Goals of the study
The reasons for conducting the study
The application
The target audience
Scope of the study
The functional unit
The parameters of the system (the phases of the life cycle and understanding the product system)

23. How much energy is required to produce, distribute, use and dispose of the product?
What substances are consumed throughtout each of the life cycle stages of a product?
What types of waste are produced and which pollutants are released into the environment (water, air, soil)?
An important step in the inventory is the creation of a process flow diagram that will serve as the “blueprint” for the data to be collected.

24. What impacts does it have on the enviroment to produce, distribute, use and dispose of the product?
How do the pollutants that are released impact the environment?

25. Interpretation What life cycle stages consume the most resources?
Which life cycle stages generate the most environmental impacts?
Was the study conducted in accordance to the ISO 14040s?
How sensitive are the results to the inventory data uncertainty?

26. Water footprint Metric (s) that quantifies the potential environmental impacts related to water ISO (3.3.1)
The footprints within ISO standards consider the life cycle perspective and the assessment of impacts. The water footprint considers the life cycle of products, processes and organizations.
The water footprint assessment according to this International Standard may be conducted and
reported as a stand-alone assessment (where only potential environmental impacts related to water
are assessed) or as part of a life cycle assessment (where consideration is given to all relevant potential
environmental impacts, and not only potential environmental impacts related to water). The water
footprint assessment should be comprehensive and consider all relevant attributes or aspects relating to
the natural environment, human health and resources. By considering all relevant attributes and aspects
within one study in a cross media perspective, potential trade-offs can be identified and assessed..
The following are relevant definitions:
3.3.1
water footprint
metric(s) that quantifies the potential environmental impacts related to water
Note 1 to entry: If water related potential environmental impacts have not been comprehensively assessed, then
the term “water footprint” can only be applied with a qualifier. A qualifier is one or several additional words used
in conjunction with the term “water footprint” to describe the impact category/categories studied in the water
footprint assessment, e.g. “water scarcity footprint”, “water eutrophication footprint”, “non-comprehensive water
footprint”.
3.3.2
water footprint assessment
compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts related to
water used or affected by a product, process or organization
Note 1 to entry: In this International Standard, the term “study” is often used as synonym for “water footprint
assessment”.
3.3.3
comprehensive water footprint assessment
water footprint assessment (3.3.2) that fulfils the principle of comprehensiveness
Note 1 to entry: The principle of comprehensiveness implies to consider all environmentally relevant attributes
or aspects of natural environment, human health and resources related to water, including water availability
(3.3.16) and water degradation (3.2.3).
Principle 4.13 Comprehensiveness
A water footprint considers all environmentally relevant attributes or aspects of natural environment,
human health and resources related to water (including water availability and water degradation).
NOTE A non-comprehensive assessment brings a risk of not taking into account the transfer of pollution from
one impact category to another.

27. 9. IMPORTANT WFP RESULTS – General outline of the methodology – The FOUR PHASES OF A WATER FOOTPRINT ASSESSMENT
WATER FOOTPRINT IMPACT ASSESMENT– USAR LA ANIMACIÓN (incluye lo que diga de water availability footprint y degradation)

28. ISO 14’046 – Types of water footprint
Life Cycle Assessment
Water Footprint
Water Availability Footprint
Other Footprints
Water Scarcity Footprint
Water Degradation Footprint
Carbon Footprint
Water Availability Footprint
Water
Footprint
Reduced water availability from consumption and degradation + direct pollution impacts
Reduced water availability from consumption and degradation
Reduced water availability from consumption
Source: Anne-Marie Boulay, WULCA

29. 5.1 General requirements
A water footprint assessment addresses the potential environmental impacts related to water associated
with a product, process or organization.
A water footprint assessment according to this International Standard shall include the four phases of
life cycle assessment:
a) goal and scope definition (see 5.2);
b) water footprint inventory analysis (see 5.3);
c) water footprint impact assessment (see 5.4);
d) interpretation of the results (see 5.5).
See Figure 1 (as in slide)
Relevant principles to the methodological framework:
4.3 Environmental focus
A water footprint assessment assesses the potential environmental impacts related to water associated
with a product, process or organization. Economic or social impacts are, typically, outside the scope of
the water footprint assessment. Other tools may be combined with the water footprint assessment for
more extensive and complementary assessments.
4.5 Iterative approach
A water footprint assessment is an iterative technique. The individual phases of a water footprint
assessment use results of the other phases. The iterative approach within and between the phases
contributes to the comprehensiveness and consistency of the study and the reported results.
4.6 Transparency
Sufficient and appropriate information is disclosed in order to allow users of the water footprint
assessment to make decisions with reasonable confidence.
4.7 Relevance
Data and methods are selected such that they are appropriate to the water footprint assessment.
4.8 Completeness
All data which provide a significant contribution to the water footprint are included in the inventory.
4.9 Consistency
Assumptions, methods and data are applied in the same way throughout the water footprint assessment
to arrive at conclusions in accordance with the goal and scope definition.
4.10 Accuracy
Bias and uncertainties are reduced as far as is practicable.
4.11 Priority of scientific approach
Decisions within a water footprint assessment are preferably based on natural science. If this is not
possible, other scientific approaches (e.g. from social or economic sciences) may be used or international
conventions may be referred to. If neither a scientific basis exists nor a justification based on other
scientific approaches or international conventions is possible, then, as appropriate, decisions may be
based on value choices.
4.12 Geographical relevance
The water footprint assessment is conducted at a scale and resolution (e.g. a drainage basin), which gives
relevant results according to the goal and scope of the study and takes into account the local context. 

30. The following definitions are to be read from the standard:
3.5.7
functional unit
quantified performance of a product system (3.5.4), process (3.5.5) or organization (3.5.11) for use as a
reference unit
Note 1 to entry: In the case of a water footprint assessment (3.3.2) for organizations, the term “reporting unit” can
replace the term “functional unit”.
[SOURCE: ISO 14044:2006, 3.20, modified]
3.5.8
reference flow
measure of the outputs from processes (3.5.5) in a given product system (3.5.4) required to fulfil the
function expressed by the functional unit (3.5.7)
[SOURCE: ISO 14044:2006, 3.29]
The trainer will propose different products/services or type of organizations to define functional units.
3.3.8
system boundary
set of criteria specifying which unit processes are part of a product system or the activities of an
organization
[SOURCE: ISO 14044:2006, 3.32, modified]
The participants will propose system boundaries for the previous exercises on functional unit.
Clause 5.2 should be fully read by participants and related to the Jeans exercise.

31. 9. IMPORTANT WFP RESULTS – General outline of the methodology – The FOUR PHASES OF A WATER FOOTPRINT ASSESSMENT
DATA COLLECTION AND WATER FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS – USAR LA ANIMACIÓN

32. Introduction to the example and the water impact assessment for the beer example –Nydia

33. Water quality
Water quality is relevant to assess a water degradation footprint and a water availability footprint

34. Major Constituents of Water Quality
3.2.4
water quality
physical (e.g. thermal), chemical and biological characteristics of water with respect to its suitability for an intended use by humans or ecosystems
Major Constituents of Water Quality
Physical
Chemical
Biological
Turbidity
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Bacterial Pathogens
Color
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
Viral Pathogens
Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Protozoan Phatogens
Radio-activity
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Helminth (Parasitic worms) PH
Hardness
Nutrients
Organic and inorganic compounds
Appearance relates mostly to Turbidity and water color
Turbidity, an indicator of the presence of suspended matter in fresh water,
Temperature: water temperature is an important determinant of the potential impact of water on aquatic life
Chemical characteristics relates to the chemistry of water, most important being;
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), an indicator of the presence of organic matter in water, most relevant in the case of relatively polluted water like sewage
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), a good indicator of presence of organic and inorganic compounds pollution,
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) solid matter in solution,
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) micrometric sized solids in suspension, this indicator is applicable to heavily polluted water like sewage, Turbidity is an
equivalent indicator but for fresh water where TSS concentrations are low
PH: indicator of the acidity of a water
Nutrients: mainly Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Toxic elements and compounds (heavy metals, nitrate, organic compounds, …………) there are hundreds of such compounds that have negative environmental impacts
Micro-organisms include all kinds of bacteria, eukaryotes, viruses, etc…..
Water quality standards/guidelines set ,maximum limits to water constituents that are proven or suspected to have negative environmental impacts
A water quality standard for Potable water has stricter limits for water constituents than a standard for irrigation water
Degradative water use implies a consumptive water use with respect to the higher quality category of the initial state because the water is lost to that category exactly as a quantity of water is lost to a watershed when that water crosses the watershed boundaries

35. Water Quality
Water quality could be defined with respect to international (e.g, WHO) or national water quality standards/guidelines for specific end use (e.g. Domestic, Irrigation for specific products)
From an inventory perspective, water degradation with respect to a reference water quality standard/guideline occurs when the used water physico-chemical and/or biological constituents concentrations exceed those of the reference standard
A water stock could be classified into different water quality categories based on relevant constituents concentrations with the aim to rationalize the water inventory and refine an eventual impact assessment study

36. Water Quality in Water Availability Footprint
Water quality can also influence availability,
e.g. if the quality is not sufficient to meet the user’s needs (see ISO14046:2014, ).
A deterioration in water quality between the input and output of the system can cause lower availability of the resource - in addition to specific environmental impact categories described above as water degradation - if the water is no longer functional for another human use because of too low quality.
When a water availability footprint only considers quantity it is called a water scarcity footprint. If the change in availability due to change in quality is considered, it is called a water availability footprint.

37. New indicator for water scarcity footprint
AWARE, from 0.1 to100
 Representing agricultural use (weighted monthly average by irrigation consumption)
Visit for more info!

38. The trainer may refer to more training material relevant to midpoint/endpoint modeling found in:
Footprint basic training material Powerpoint slides
Footprint advanced training material Powerpoint slides

39. Data sources and database
+ Literature, statistics and primary data collection

40. Tools ETC… Regionalization not yet operationalized
Tools don’t integrate water footprint methods yet

41. ISO 14046 allows to assess, scientifically and objectively,
the impacts on water associated with a product or an organization

42. ISO 14046
allows to have objective information to feed into different initiatives

43. Assess and prepare for the future risks to your water use
ISO BENEFITS
Assess and prepare for the future risks to your water use

44. Identify ways to reduce the environmental impacts of your water use
ISO BENEFITS
Identify ways to reduce the environmental impacts of your water use

45. Improve efficiency at product, process and organizational levels
ISO BENEFITS
Improve efficiency at product, process and organizational levels

46. Share knowledge and best practice with industry and government
ISO BENEFITS
Share knowledge and best practice with industry and government

47. Meet customer expectations of increased environmental responsibility
ISO BENEFITS
Meet customer expectations of increased environmental responsibility

48. Water footprint assessment: Walk the talk
Industry case study highlighting various aspects of a water footprint assessment.

52. Thank You