ISO 14046 Certification
ISO 14046 is an international standard that helps organizations measure and manage their water footprint, including both direct and indirect water use. It provides a structured approach to assess environmental impacts related to water usage and supports effective water management in response to growing demand and scarcity. Certification highlights an organization’s commitment to responsible water use and environmental sustainability.
What is ISO 14046?
ISO 14064:2014 is a part of ISO 14000 Series which underline the standards to measure the water footprint of product. Based on LCA, it determines water consumption and their effects on water systems in the value chain.
Unlike general water audits, ISO 14046 focuses on quantifying the environmental footprint of water use, including:
- Blue Water Footprint: Surface and ground water obtained as source of freshwater.
- Green Water Footprint: Effectiveness of rainwater in soil and its utilization by crops.
- Grey Water Footprint: Amount of freshwater required for de-pollution of pollutants in order to make them safe for use.
Such a broad evaluation makes it possible for companies to effectively deal with water resource management and relevant impacts through execution of the best strategies.
ISO 14000 Series Standards in Pakistan
To understand the position of ISO 14000 Series Standards in Pakistan, it must first be pointed out that the concept of an environmental management system is relatively new in this country.
The ISO 14000 series of standards is an internationally developed and accepted model intended for enhancing the ecological performance of organizations.
Key standards in this series include:
- ISO 14001: EMS – Environmental management systems.
- ISO 14046: Water footprint assessment.
- ISO 14064: Accounting and disclosure of emissions of greenhouse gases.
Thus, these standards offer a comprehensive coverage of sustainability issues, and, thus, should be implemented in organizations committed to sustainable development.
Benefits of ISO 14046 Certification in Pakistan
For businesses operating in Pakistan, where water scarcity is a pressing issue, ISO 14046 Certification offers several tangible benefits:
1). Operational Efficiency and Cost Saving:
When organizations have discovered areas where water is being used unsustainably, corrective measures can be taken that lead to reduced organizational costs, and optimized usage of resources.
2). Environmental Compliance:
As the environmental laws in the country of Pakistan continue to strengthen, ISO 14046 assists organizations to work in accordance with national and international laws.
3). Competitive Advantage:
To potential green consumers and international partners, acting as a responsible and conscientious business benefits your organization.
4). Supply Chain Optimization:
Decreasing the overall effect of water issues on the supply chain can become beneficial for relations with suppliers and supply chain sustainability.
5). Increased Confidence of Stakeholders:
Investors, customers, and regulators can trust companies that take steps necessary to minimize their ecological footprint.
6). Long-Term Risk Mitigation:
Public wastage prevents against water scarcity, fines and damages to firms’ image, the importance of managing water resources proactively cannot be overemphasized.
Why ISO 14046 Is Important for Environmental Management?
ISO 14046 is key element for environmental management this is because, ISO 14046 Certification has the capabilities of altering the facet of water resource management across the world. Since stakeholders are becoming more aware of climate change and inadequate water resources, organizations that venture into the fight against these problems will reap big returns.
Key Reasons ISO 14046 Matters:
1). Supports Sustainable Development:
Allows organizations to become a part of the solution to water scarcity problems within the world.
2). Enhances Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
Usually shows a company’s concern towards the natural environment and this is well received by the stakeholders and customers.
3). Mitigates Risks:
Supports organizations in managing risks related to water deficit or contamination of supplies.
4). Drives Innovation:
Influences the choice of new technologies for the optimal utilization of water.
5). Boosts Brand Value:
It is obvious that getting the ISO 14046 Certification upgrades a company’s image as an environmentally friendly company.
Who Can Apply for ISO 14046 Certification in Pakistan?
ISO 14046 Certification is suitable for a wide range of industries and organizations, including:
- Manufacturing Industries: High water use industries such as steel, textile and chemical industries.
- Agriculture and Food Processing: Concerned organizations seeking to implement best practices in water management for irrigation and agriculture.
- Energy Companies: Reservoirs that come under hydroelectric Dam, thermal power plants which in effect control water resource.
- Real Estate Developers: How construction firms are embracing sustainable practices into their operation.
- Hospitality Sector: Organizations in the hotel and resort industry seeking to advance environmental responsibility.
Firms in this category that use small amounts of water can also use ISO 14046 Certification to show their customers and potential clients that they are environmentally responsible than their competitors.
ISO 14046 Certification Process
To get the ISO 14046 Certification there must be a systematic, documented procedure aiming at compliance with the requirements of this standard.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Making an analysis of your water usage before making the change, is the best way to determine how much water you are going to save. This entails evaluating water consumption in all the operation activities, and value chains.
Step 2: Gap Analysis
Compare the gaps with the existing practices into conformity with the requirements of the ISO 14046. This step assist organizations to identify the areas that needs to be brought to par.
Step 3: Implementation
Propose procedure for overcoming the gaps that has been presented. This may involve acquisitions, development or leases, hardware or software installations, staff education, and procedural improvements, respectively.
Step 4: Documentation
This is best done by keeping track of all the water you use and all activities carried out in the management of water. Documentation is very critical in the course of a certification audit.
Step 5: Internal Audit
Conduct operational test to continue assessing on the progression of the company for the final certification audit.
Step 6: Certification Audit
Outside certification should be done with TUV Austria because it is a reputable certification body.
Step 7: Certification Issuance
Any organization that passes the audit is issued ISO 14046 Certification.
14046 Water Footprint Assessment Cost in Pakistan
The size and complexity of the organization. The scope of operations being assessed. National standard developed as part of the ISO 14000 series to evaluate the water footprint of products, processes, and organizations. It uses lifecycle assessment (LCA) principles to calculate the direct and indirect water usage and associated impacts on the environment.
Unlike general water audits, ISO 14046 focuses on quantifying the environmental footprint of water use, including:
- Blue Water Footprint: Freshwater sourced from surface and groundwater.
- Green Water Footprint: Rainwater stored in soil and used by crops.
- Grey Water Footprint: The volume of freshwater needed to dilute pollutants to safe levels.
This comprehensive assessment enables businesses to make informed decisions about water resource management and implement actionable strategies to reduce environmental harm.
Why Choose TUV Austria BIC Pakistan for ISO 14046 Certification?
TUV Austria BIC Pakistan has for many years been known as a reliable Certification, Inspection and Testing company. Here’s why it’s the preferred choice for ISO 14046 Certification in Pakistan:
- Global Expertise: The organization made recognition in global environmental management certifications.
- Tailored Solutions: Special services aimed at the specific requirement of different companies operating across Pakistan.
- End-to-End Support: Extensive guidance on how to go through the certification process.
- Local Knowledge: Local knowledge and experience regarding the regulatory situation in Pakistan/Afghanistan and rest of the challenges.
FAQs on ISO 14046 Certification
Q. What is ISO 14046?
ISO 14046 is a standard that addresses the water footprint of a product, process and/or organization.
Q. Who Can Apply for ISO 14046 Certification in Pakistan?
ISO 14046 Certification can be applied for by any organization; especially those with high water consumption or given environmental effects.
Q. How Long Does It Take to Get ISO 14046 Certification?
The certification duration is not fixed but could take between 3 to 6 months depending with organizations preparedness.
Q. How Does ISO 14046 Differ from ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is general in its management policy of environmental issues, while ISO 14046 policy concerns with the use of water in the organization and its consequences to the environment.
Q. How Is the Water Footprint Measured According to ISO 14046?
Water footprint is determined by using Life Cycle Assessment methods based on blue water, green water, and grey water.
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