Focus markets

We provide the latest and highest accuracy data for Water Footprint Assessments. We stem from the Water Footprint Network, the original developer of the Water Footprint concept, and the world leader in the field. Their continuous improvement and refining of data sets is our strength. For implementation of Water Footprint assessment and reduction targets, WFI has access to the most accurate and up to date data.

A Water Footprint Assessment can be applied to any sector, supply chain, product or business. However, our company focuses on the following sectors where the urgency of mitigating water risk is highest:

Agriculture

The agricultural sector is the highest water user in the world. Globally, 70% of freshwater is used for Agriculture. The world’s increasing population and the consequent demand rise in food will put even higher pressure on freshwater withdrawals. At the same time, climate change is inflicting ever longer draught periods and more erratic rainfall. To ensure a safe food supply for the world’s population, more precise measurements in the use of water to grow crops and produce is needed. An additional insight brought by the Water Footprint concept is that of virtual water trade. Crops produced in water scarce regions are traded and imported into water abundant regions, effectively trading away the virtual water embedded in those products as well. Water Footprint Implementation can provide an agricultural supply chain water use assessment, from the growth of crop stage to the consumer’s table, going through trade, processing and retail. Get in touch with us if you want a Water Footprint Assessment in the agri-food sector using the latest most up to date data sets and tools.

Finance

While the financial sector has recently been recognizing climate change as a threat to their investments, there are very few data solutions available for quantifying water risk. Water Footprint Implementation can deliver tailor made water risk assessment services and software specifically for banks, investment funds, insurance funds or any other type of financial institute. Better insight into your water risk can help FIs make wiser investment decisions and avoid not only physical risk but also reputational. Not only does WFI provide Water Footprint and risk assessment services for the financial sector, but it is also setting up the first Blue Bond scheme for financing of industrial water.

Industry

From food& beverage to chemical and manufacturing, industries today face not just higher environmental compliance standards but in some regions also lack of sufficient freshwater resources to maintain their operations. Water Footprint Implementation can offer an insight into where the biggest issues lie along the process chain and practical solutions for efficient water use and WF reduction. Our Blue Bonds scheme is developed specifically to help industries finance their industrial water investments.

Energy

Floods, water scarcity and water pollution are currently some of the biggest risks to assets. Energy companies like Engie had to shut down operations for days almost yearly in the past 4-5 years due to severe draughts, losing billions in the process. Smart energy companies are investing in reducing their water footprint and making their assets ‘water proof’. Besides offering solutions for energy companies, Water Footprint Implementation is at the nexus between water, energy and food. Our complex models and high resolution data can provide a systemic view into the trade-offs and solutions to the water-energy-food nexus. Contact us to find out how.

Textile

The textile and fashion industry are one of the largest water consuming sectors in the world. The Water Footprint of producing one kg of cotton can range anywhere in between 8000 liters (US) to 22000 liters (India), this taking into consideration not just the water used for irrigating the crops but also the resulting pesticide and fertilizer pollution entering water bodies. With a growing population and increasing consumer and climate patterns, the world’s water resources are ever more under stress. Water scarcity and water pollution pose great threats both to individuals’ access to drinking water as well as to industries. If the apparel sector wishes to sustain its future, it is high time to look into the water use along its supply chain and take measures to reduce its water footprint. Water Footprint Implementation is already working with sustainable brands in the fashion industry to assess a full supply chain WF and take measures to achieve a significant reduction. Will you join them?