The water sector is on the cusp of a significant shift, driven by a powerful alliance aiming to revolutionise how organisations address their water footprint. This initiative, centred around the Act4water Standard, is poised to reshape corporate water management and climate change adaptation strategies globally. The timing is critical, with London’s recent emergence as a water innovation hub and the impending enforcement of stringent EU regulations like CSRD and Green Claims.
At the heart of this alliance is a commitment to merge water science, business innovation, and social responsibility. Desirée Marín, Chairperson of the Act4water Executive Committee, encapsulates the initiative’s spirit: “This collaboration merges water science, business innovation, and social commitment, providing companies with a tangible measure of climate adaptation through water footprints and positive credits—driving resilience across businesses, ecosystems, and communities while fostering sustainable finance.” This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about fostering a genuine culture of water stewardship.
Spain, with its severe water stress projections, serves as the launchpad for this international endeavour. The country’s active projects in areas like Doñana, Barcelona, and Tenerife are setting the stage for a global benchmark in water footprint compensation. These projects, ranging from aquifer recharge to water reuse, are not just local fixes but part of a broader strategy to create a quantifiable unit for positive water impact—the Positive Water Credit. Each credit represents 1,000 m³ of water footprint saved within a basin, a tangible measure of progress.
The Act4water Standard, with its certification framework, offers organisations a clear path to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable water management. From Water Committed to Water Positive certifications, companies can now showcase their efforts and achievements. Moreover, the Water Neutral certification provides a way to validate water impact compensation for specific products, events, or spaces, adding another layer of accountability and transparency.
Rick Hogeboom, director of the Water Footprint Network (WFN) and a member of Act4water’s Executive Committee, underscores the importance of aligning corporate action with rigorous methodologies. “Aligning corporate action with rigorous methodologies is essential to ensure measurable and transparent positive impacts. By bringing the Water Footprint Network’s academic perspective, we aim to ensure water compensation practices drive long-term water sustainability and resilience,” he states. This emphasis on academic rigor and transparency is crucial in an era where greenwashing is a real concern.
Jaap Feil, managing partner at Water Footprint Implementation, highlights the practical implications of this certification framework. “This certification framework bridges the gap between regulatory compliance and tangible environmental impact, enabling businesses to meet new EU directives while driving real progress in protecting water resources,” he notes. This is not just about compliance; it’s about driving real, measurable change.
The Act4water Standard is more than just a certification; it’s a call to action. It challenges organisations to look beyond their immediate operations and consider their role in the broader water ecosystem. It pushes them to innovate, to collaborate, and to commit to long-term sustainability. As the world grapples with increasing water stress and climate change, this initiative offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for action. The water sector is watching, and the world is waiting. The stage is set for a revolution in water management, and the Act4water Standard is leading the charge.
