NABCB Seeks Industry Feedback on Accreditation Scheme On Water Efficiency Management Systems Certification

New Delhi, Jul 24 (KNN) Water insufficiency and excessive use have emerged as significant risks, anticipated to worsen in the coming decade. This growing concern has placed pressure on organisations to adopt sustainable water management practices to reduce water demand and promote conservation.

The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) has emphasised the importance of sustainable water management by standardising water efficiency through ISO 46001:2019 standard. This standard would apply to organisations of all types and sizes that use water, promoting efficient and sustainable water practices.

The standard focuses on end-use consumers and provides a comprehensive framework for water efficiency management systems. The standard is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Goal 6 (clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).  Adoption of the standard represents a crucial step towards sustainable water management across various industries. It would help industries align with circular economy principles by fostering a more sustainable approach to water use and management.

An effective water efficiency audit, as per ISO 46001:2019, would help organisations identify gaps in their water management processes and reduce water wastage. The standard would include guidelines on monitoring, measurement, documentation, reporting, design, procurement practices, and personnel training.

This initiative is particularly relevant for water-intensive industries, including agriculture, food and beverage, textiles, paper and pulp, chemicals, mining, power generation, construction, automotive, and hospitality and tourism.

Certification for ISO 46001:2019 will offer numerous benefits, including improved water management, environmental sustainability, risk management, and market access. Effective implementation leads to substantial savings in water and energy, reducing environmental impact.

Key outcomes of adopting this system include greater accountability in water use, regular review and improvement processes, operational savings, and better integration of water management into organisational and budgetary planning.

As global water challenges intensify, the adoption of standards like ISO 46001:2019 becomes increasingly crucial.

During the roundtable discussion held on Tuesday, stakeholders explored how the Water Efficiency Management System (WEMS) certification aligns with water audits conducted by regulatory bodies. There is a general concern among industrial stakeholders about whether WEMS will become another regulatory requirement adding to the compliance burden on industry.

(KNN Bureau)