ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046

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ISO/TR 14073:2017 provides illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046, which is the International Standard for Water Footprint Assessment. The purpose of ISO/TR 14073 is to offer practical guidance and real-world examples to help organizations understand and implement ISO 14046 effectively. Here are some illustrative examples of how ISO/TR 14073 can be applied:

  1. Agricultural Sector:
    • An agricultural organization wants to assess the water footprint of its crop production activities. ISO/TR 14073 provides guidance on how to collect data on water use throughout the crop production process, including irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting. The organization can use this information to quantify the water footprint of different crops and identify opportunities for water efficiency improvements.
  2. Manufacturing Industry:
    • A manufacturing company seeks to evaluate the water footprint of its production processes. ISO/TR 14073 offers guidance on how to assess water use at each stage of the manufacturing process, from raw material extraction to product assembly. By applying ISO 14046 methodology, the company can identify hotspots where water consumption is highest and implement measures to reduce water usage and improve water management practices.
  3. Food and Beverage Industry:
    • A food and beverage company aims to assess the water footprint of its product portfolio, which includes various beverages and packaged foods. ISO/TR 14073 provides examples of how to calculate the water footprint of different products based on their ingredients, processing methods, and packaging materials. By conducting water footprint assessments, the company can identify areas where water usage can be minimized, such as optimizing production processes and sourcing ingredients from regions with lower water scarcity.
  4. Service Sector:
    • A service-oriented organization wants to measure the water footprint associated with its operations, such as office facilities, transportation, and supply chain activities. ISO/TR 14073 offers guidance on how to assess indirect water use, including water embedded in purchased goods and services. By applying ISO 14046 principles, the organization can quantify its total water footprint and develop strategies to reduce water consumption and improve water stewardship across its operations.
  5. Water Management and Policy Development:
    • Government agencies and policymakers use ISO/TR 14073 to develop water management strategies and policies at regional, national, and international levels. By analyzing water footprint data and trends, policymakers can identify priority areas for water conservation, allocate resources effectively, and implement measures to promote sustainable water use practices across various sectors of the economy.

Overall, ISO/TR 14073 provides valuable guidance and illustrative examples for organizations seeking to assess and manage their water footprint in a systematic and transparent manner. By following the principles outlined in ISO 14046 and leveraging the practical insights offered in ISO/TR 14073, organizations can make informed decisions to minimize their water footprint, mitigate water-related risks, and contribute to sustainable water management efforts.

What is required ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046


ISO/TR 14073:2017 provides illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046, which is the International Standard for Water Footprint Assessment. ISO/TR 14073 offers practical guidance and real-world examples to help organizations understand and implement ISO 14046 effectively. Here are some key aspects required by ISO/TR 14073 for providing illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046:

  1. Practical Application Scenarios: ISO/TR 14073 presents practical scenarios from various sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, food and beverage, and service industries, to illustrate the application of ISO 14046. These scenarios reflect real-world situations where organizations need to assess and manage their water footprint.
  2. Data Collection and Calculation Methods: The document outlines data collection methods and calculation approaches for quantifying water use and assessing water footprint according to ISO 14046 requirements. It provides step-by-step guidance on gathering relevant data on water consumption, analyzing water use throughout the product life cycle, and calculating water footprint indicators.
  3. System Boundary Definition: ISO/TR 14073 emphasizes the importance of defining clear system boundaries for water footprint assessments. It provides examples of how to delineate system boundaries based on the organization’s objectives, product/service scope, and geographical considerations. This ensures that water footprint assessments are comprehensive and consistent across different applications.
  4. Water Use Assessment: The document offers examples of how to assess direct and indirect water use associated with various activities, processes, and products. It explains how to differentiate between blue water (surface and groundwater), green water (rainwater), and grey water (polluted water) and quantify their respective contributions to the overall water footprint.
  5. Impact Assessment: ISO/TR 14073 illustrates methods for evaluating the environmental impact of water use, including water scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and human health risks. It provides examples of impact assessment indicators and metrics to help organizations understand the broader implications of their water footprint and prioritize mitigation measures.
  6. Communication and Reporting: The document highlights the importance of transparent communication and reporting of water footprint results to stakeholders. It offers examples of how organizations can effectively communicate their water footprint findings, interpretations, and improvement initiatives to internal and external audiences, such as customers, investors, and regulatory agencies.
  7. Continuous Improvement: ISO/TR 14073 encourages organizations to adopt a continuous improvement approach to water footprint management. It provides examples of how organizations can use water footprint data to identify opportunities for efficiency gains, resource optimization, and risk mitigation, leading to enhanced environmental performance and sustainability.

Overall, ISO/TR 14073 serves as a practical guide for organizations seeking to implement ISO 14046 and conduct water footprint assessments. By following the illustrative examples and guidance provided in ISO/TR 14073, organizations can effectively measure, evaluate, and manage their water footprint to support sustainable water management practices and achieve environmental objectives.

Who is required ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water Footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046


ISO/TR 14073:2017 is a technical report titled “Water Footprint – Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046.” It provides guidance on how to apply ISO 14046, which is the international standard for water footprint assessment. ISO 14046 provides principles, requirements, and guidelines for conducting and reporting water footprint assessments.

ISO/TR 14073:2017 is particularly useful for organizations and individuals who want to understand and apply ISO 14046 effectively. It offers illustrative examples to help users grasp the concepts and methodologies outlined in ISO 14046.

In summary, those who are required or interested in conducting water footprint assessments according to ISO standards would find ISO/TR 14073:2017 beneficial. This includes businesses, governmental organizations, non-profits, researchers, and consultants involved in water management, sustainability assessments, and environmental reporting.

When is required ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046


ISO/TR 14073:2017, which provides illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046, is not a mandatory standard like ISO 14046 itself. ISO/TR 14073:2017 is a technical report that offers guidance and examples to help users understand and implement ISO 14046 effectively. Therefore, it’s not a matter of being required by law or regulation, but rather a resource that organizations and individuals can choose to utilize to improve their water footprint assessment practices.

Where is required ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046


ISO/TR 14073:2017, being a technical report providing illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046, is not typically required in a legal or regulatory sense. However, it can be valuable for organizations, consultants, researchers, and other stakeholders involved in water management, sustainability assessment, and environmental reporting.

While ISO standards themselves might be referenced or required in certain contexts, such as industry regulations or corporate sustainability initiatives, ISO/TR 14073:2017 serves as a supplementary resource rather than a mandatory requirement. It can be beneficial wherever ISO 14046 is applied or referenced, helping users understand and implement the standard more effectively.

How is required ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046

ISO/TR 14073:2017, a technical report providing illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046, is not typically mandatory in a legal or regulatory sense. However, it can be deemed necessary or highly beneficial in certain contexts where organizations or individuals are implementing ISO 14046 or conducting water footprint assessments.

The necessity or requirement for ISO/TR 14073:2017 can arise from various sources:

  1. Industry Standards or Guidelines: Certain industries or sectors may have adopted ISO 14046 as part of their sustainability practices or regulatory compliance. In such cases, ISO/TR 14073:2017 could be recommended or required to ensure consistent and effective application of ISO 14046.
  2. Corporate Requirements: Some companies may include compliance with ISO standards or specific guidance documents like ISO/TR 14073:2017 as part of their internal policies or sustainability commitments. This could be driven by corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, customer requirements, or supply chain expectations.
  3. Consultant or Contractor Specifications: Organizations engaging consultants or contractors to conduct water footprint assessments may require adherence to ISO/TR 14073:2017 to ensure high-quality and standardized reporting. Consultants themselves may find it necessary to use the technical report to enhance their methodologies and deliverables.
  4. Research and Academic Institutions: Academic institutions, research organizations, or governmental bodies involved in environmental research or policy development may consider ISO/TR 14073:2017 essential for maintaining methodological rigor and comparability of water footprint assessments.

In summary, while ISO/TR 14073:2017 may not be legally mandated, its adoption or requirement can stem from industry best practices, corporate policies, contractual obligations, or the pursuit of methodological excellence in sustainability assessments.

Case Study on ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046


Creating a case study illustrating the application of ISO/TR 14073:2017, focusing on water footprint assessment according to ISO 14046, could be valuable for understanding its practical implications. Let’s outline a hypothetical case study:

Title: Implementing ISO/TR 14073:2017 for Water Footprint Assessment in a Beverage Manufacturing Company

Introduction: ABC Beverages is a leading manufacturer of soft drinks, operating globally with production facilities in various countries. Concerned about its water use and environmental impact, ABC Beverages decides to conduct a comprehensive water footprint assessment following the guidelines of ISO 14046. To ensure the quality and consistency of their assessment, they choose to apply the illustrative examples provided in ISO/TR 14073:2017.

Objectives:

  1. To quantify the water footprint of ABC Beverages’ entire production process, from raw material sourcing to product distribution.
  2. To identify hotspots and opportunities for water use reduction and optimization.
  3. To enhance transparency and credibility by following internationally recognized standards and guidelines.

Methodology: ABC Beverages engages a team of sustainability consultants with expertise in water footprint assessment and ISO standards compliance. The methodology involves the following steps:

  1. Scope Definition: Define the boundaries of the assessment, including the system boundaries, functional unit, and temporal scope, in line with ISO 14046 requirements.
  2. Inventory Analysis: Collect data on water consumption and wastewater discharges across all stages of the product lifecycle, including agricultural practices, manufacturing processes, packaging, transportation, and end-of-life disposal.
  3. Impact Assessment: Calculate the water footprint using the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework specified in ISO 14046, considering both direct water use (blue, green, grey) and indirect water use (embedded water).
  4. Interpretation: Identify key findings, hotspots, and areas for improvement based on the results of the water footprint assessment. Consider the illustrative examples provided in ISO/TR 14073:2017 to interpret the findings accurately.
  5. Reporting: Prepare a comprehensive report following ISO 14046 guidelines, incorporating the illustrative examples from ISO/TR 14073:2017 to enhance clarity and consistency in reporting.

Results: The water footprint assessment reveals that the primary contributors to ABC Beverages’ water footprint are the cultivation of raw materials (sugarcane, citrus fruits), beverage manufacturing processes (cleaning, bottling), and distribution activities. By applying the principles outlined in ISO/TR 14073:2017, the assessment provides actionable insights, such as:

  • Implementing water-saving technologies in agricultural practices.
  • Optimizing production processes to minimize water consumption and wastewater generation.
  • Collaborating with suppliers to promote sustainable water management practices.
  • Educating consumers about water conservation and responsible consumption.

Conclusion: By leveraging ISO/TR 14073:2017 as a guide for implementing ISO 14046, ABC Beverages successfully conducted a comprehensive water footprint assessment, gaining valuable insights into their water use and environmental impact. The findings serve as a basis for implementing targeted strategies to reduce their water footprint and enhance sustainability across the value chain.

Lessons Learned: The application of ISO/TR 14073:2017 facilitated a structured and systematic approach to water footprint assessment, ensuring consistency, credibility, and comparability of results. Continuous monitoring and improvement efforts are essential to achieving long-term sustainability goals and maintaining compliance with international standards.

This case study demonstrates how a beverage manufacturing company could apply ISO/TR 14073:2017 to conduct a water footprint assessment in accordance with ISO 14046 guidelines, leading to actionable insights and sustainable business practices.

White paper on ISO/TR 14073:2017 Water footprint Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046

Title: Enhancing Water Footprint Assessment: A White Paper on ISO/TR 14073:2017

Introduction: Water scarcity and sustainability concerns are increasingly pressing issues worldwide, prompting organizations to assess and manage their water usage effectively. ISO 14046 provides a standardized framework for conducting water footprint assessments, offering principles, requirements, and guidelines for evaluating water use throughout a product’s lifecycle. Complementing ISO 14046, ISO/TR 14073:2017 offers illustrative examples to facilitate the practical application of the standard. This white paper aims to elucidate the significance of ISO/TR 14073:2017 and demonstrate its utility through real-world scenarios and case studies.

Understanding ISO/TR 14073:2017: ISO/TR 14073:2017, titled “Water Footprint – Illustrative examples on how to apply ISO 14046,” serves as a technical report providing guidance on applying ISO 14046 principles in water footprint assessments. While ISO 14046 outlines the overarching framework for water footprint assessment, ISO/TR 14073:2017 supplements it by offering practical examples, clarifications, and best practices to enhance implementation.

Key Components of ISO/TR 14073:2017:

  1. Methodological Guidance: ISO/TR 14073:2017 elucidates various aspects of water footprint assessment methodology, including scope definition, data collection, impact assessment, and interpretation of results. It provides insights into tackling challenges and uncertainties inherent in water footprint assessment.
  2. Illustrative Examples: The technical report presents illustrative examples that showcase the application of ISO 14046 principles in diverse contexts, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. These examples serve as valuable reference points for organizations embarking on water footprint assessments.
  3. Integration with ISO 14046: ISO/TR 14073:2017 ensures alignment with ISO 14046 requirements and facilitates a seamless integration of its guidelines into existing water management practices. It enhances the credibility and consistency of water footprint assessments conducted according to ISO standards.

Case Studies and Practical Applications: This white paper features case studies highlighting real-world applications of ISO/TR 14073:2017 in different industries and organizational contexts. These case studies illustrate how organizations leverage the technical report to overcome challenges, improve water management practices, and enhance sustainability performance.

Benefits of ISO/TR 14073:2017 Adoption:

  1. Standardized Approach: ISO/TR 14073:2017 promotes a standardized approach to water footprint assessment, ensuring consistency, comparability, and reliability of results across different assessments.
  2. Enhanced Credibility: Organizations adhering to ISO/TR 14073:2017 guidelines enhance the credibility of their water footprint assessments, facilitating stakeholder trust and transparency in reporting.
  3. Informed Decision-Making: By following ISO/TR 14073:2017 examples, organizations gain actionable insights into their water usage patterns, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions for water conservation and efficiency.
  4. Continuous Improvement: ISO/TR 14073:2017 fosters a culture of continuous improvement by guiding organizations in refining their water footprint assessment methodologies and adapting to evolving sustainability challenges.

Conclusion: ISO/TR 14073:2017 plays a pivotal role in advancing the practice of water footprint assessment, offering practical guidance and illustrative examples to organizations worldwide. By embracing the principles outlined in this technical report, organizations can strengthen their water management strategies, mitigate risks, and contribute to global water sustainability efforts.

Recommendations for Adoption:

  1. Organizations embarking on water footprint assessments should familiarize themselves with ISO/TR 14073:2017 and integrate its guidance into their methodologies.
  2. Stakeholders involved in sustainability reporting, including governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations, should encourage the adoption of ISO/TR 14073:2017 to enhance the credibility and comparability of water footprint assessments.
  3. Research institutions and academic communities should leverage ISO/TR 14073:2017 to advance the discourse on water sustainability and promote standardized methodologies for water footprint assessment.
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