Water Footprint
ISO 14046 is an international standard that provides principles, requirements, and guidelines related to water footprint assessment of products, processes, and organizations based on life cycle assessment (LCA).
ISO 14046 specifies how to assess and report the water footprint of a product, process, or organization. It focuses on water use and its impact on the environment throughout the life cycle of a product or a process.
The assessment considers both direct and indirect water use associated with a product or process. Only air and soil emissions that impact water quality are included in the assessment, not all air and soil emissions. The result of a water footprint assessment is a single value or a profile of impact indicator results.
While reporting is within the scope of ISO 14046, communication of water footprint results (e.g., labels or declarations) is outside the scope of the standard.
ISO 14046 can be used by organizations, researchers, and policymakers to assess and manage water-related impacts. It contributes to sustainable development goals related to water (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), and life below water (SDG 14).