Carbon, Ecological and Water Footprint

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The water-footprint concept is part of a larger family of concepts that have been developed in the environmental sciences over the past decade. A "footprint" in general has become known as a quantitative measure showing the appropriation of natural resources or pressure on the environment by human beings. The ecological footprint is a measure of the use of bio-productive space (hectares). The carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured carbon dioxide equivalents (in tonnes). The water footprint measures water use (in cubic metres per year). The three indicators are complementary, since they measure completely different things. Methodologically there are many similarities between the different footprints, but each has its own peculiarities related to the uniqueness of the substance considered. Most typical for the water footprint is the importance of specifying space and time. This is necessary because the availability of water highly varies in space and time, so that water appropriation should always be considered in its local context.

Very nice infographic looking at the carbon and water footprint of an Irish citizen:

http://ow.ly/i/1UCXm/original

On 22nd March (World Water Day 2013) Best Foot Forward and the Water Footprint Network launched their new initiative to tackle the water-carbon nexus.

The related press release:

New cooperative initiative will tackle carbon and water together

Friday 22nd March on World Water Day 2013, Best Foot Forward (www.bestfootforward.com) and the Water Footprint Network (www.waterfootprint.org) launch their new initiative to tackle the water-carbon nexus. The organisations are inviting industry stakeholders to join a new working group that will tackle the challenge of integrating carbon and water management.

In the spirit of the International Year of Water Cooperation 2013, World Water Day is dedicated to the theme of cooperation around water and on this day we are joining forces to tackle the issue of carbon and water footprint in a truly cooperative way.
The outcome will be a paper which offers the best practice and advice, including case studies from companies who have successfully managed their water and carbon use in an integrated way. By avoiding trade-offs and creating efficiencies, companies can do more to reduce environmental impact.
Kurt Unger from the Water Footprint Network, said:
‘Bringing together the two global problems of unsustainable water use and climate change into one set of integrated solutions will quickly advance companies toward reducing their impacts and improving the sustainability of their products.'
Chris White from Best Foot Forward said:
‘It's vital for businesses to consider both carbon and water footprint together, but this isn't an easy thing to do. We have some powerful capability and experience in this field but we don't have all the answers so we're asking business leaders to work with us to help come up with solutions.'

Companies can find out more about the initiative by contacting either organisation directly.


Contact information
For more information or to be involved with the initiative, please contact:
Dr. Ashok K. Chapagain
Science Director
Phone +31 53 489 1065
E-mail: ashok.chapagain@waterfootprint.org

Paul McNeillis
Director, Best Foot Forward
07787 518 534
01865 250818
Paul.McNeillis@bestfootforward.com

3 Answers

  1. Markus, I will wait for the updates from your side and wish you all the best for webinars. Thanks for the other data provided, I am going through them.

    1 Comment

    1. Dear Dany, the data base you are looking for is still under development, but it has been communicated that there is good progress. So hopefully the data base will still be of use for your work once it is completed, i.e. hopefully it will not be too late... Here is the latest announcement http://www.sustain.co.uk/news-and-blog/2/water-database/

  2. Dear Dany, there will be a webinar regarding new developments soon - alas for the time being for Water Footprint Network partners only. But the results will certainly be made public in the near future. I can provide updates in due time. ------------------- Water Footprint Network Webinar Case Studies: The Development of a Water Footprint Database for Materials Organised by the Water Footprint Network Date: 15 May 2013 Time: 15:00 – 15:45 CET (Central European Time) Login at: http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/webinar Password: Will be sent to WFN partners by e-mail; if you missed it, ask Kurt Unger [kurt.unger@waterfootprint.org] Target group This webinar is only for WFN partners. Webinars are a platform for partners to exchange their water footprint project results and lessons, and water footprint innovative ideas, initiatives, and research and development. Agenda 15:00 – 15:05 Welcome and Introduction 15:05 – 15:30 The Development of a Water Footprint Database for Materials; presentation given by by Jean-Yves Cherruault, Sustain 15:30 – 15:40 Questions and Answers, discussion by WFN partners & speakers 15:40 – 15:45 Wrap up and close, feedbacks to WFN. If you are interested in becoming a WFN partner, please see http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/HowToBecomePartner --------------------- I also would like to refer to the WaterStat database of the Water Footprint Network http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/WaterStat in this case in particular product water footprints: http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/WaterStat-ProductWaterFootprints I know that this is not precisely what you are looking for, as you are seeking numbers compiled for individual sectors. This is to be prepared, see also the effort described in the webinar outlined above, but for the time being is not available. Please check back in the WaterStat database or you can also sign up for the newsletter of the Water Footprint Network to get informed (http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/ResponseForm). That way you will not miss the release of the particular data set you are looking for. It will also be implemented in the Water Footprint Assessment Tool (http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/waterfootprintassessmenttool) in due time. Best, Markus

  3. thank you Markus for the wonderful information you are sharing. Is it possible to get data on water foot print of different industry? I need that, hope you can share that too. Thanks in advance.