Water is one of the world’s essential
resources. Escalating demand for water and changes in the climate are
increasing pressure on the world’s water supply. ISO 24526, Water efficiency management systems –
Requirements with guidance for use, offers a single, clear framework for
all organizations wishing to improve their water efficiency performance. It
includes a series of processes that enables the staff with various
responsibilities across an organization to use data to assess and account for
water usage, and to identify, plan and implement measures to improve water
efficiency performance. Water – it may well be the most underrated resource in
the world. Whereas many companies have implemented management systems to
improve energy-efficiency, it is far less common to see effective water
management systems. The new standard ISO 24526 for water-efficiency management
systems addresses this void and will help organizations to increase efficiency,
save costs and protect the environment. Population pressure and the effects of
climate change raise the global demand for water significantly. This growing
demand does not only lead to increased costs, it also affects local ecosystems
and threatens the long-term viability of certain business models and industry
sectors. More than a resource, water is a risk that deserves to be managed. The
new standard ISO 24526, currently under development, enables companies to implement
a water efficiency management system (WEMS) in accordance with international
standards and to seek third-party certification. ISO 24526 provides
methods and tools to enable organizations to assess and account for their water
usage, and to identify, plan and implement measures to optimize water use
through the systematic management of water. ISO 24526 is a certification
standard for water efficiency management systems (WEMS), aiming to contribute
to the efficient and sustainable use of water. The standard states requirements
and gives a flexible guidance on how to introduce and sustain a water
efficiency management system in companies. Similar to the other management
systems standard, the standard is applicable to small, medium, and large organizations
that use or consume water. The proposed standard is flexible and can be adapted
to a wide range of organizations, irrespective of size, sector, structure,
geography, or jurisdiction. By setting out management requirements, the
standard will help organizations create transparency and facilitate
communication on the management of water resources and the implementation of
water efficient measures in accordance with an internationally recognized minimum
standard. If adopted and implemented by an organization, the standard will help
the organization demonstrate that it is taking measures to optimize water use,
as evidence of its commitment to the principles of social responsibility.
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