Bluewater withdrawals
(split by level of water stress)
Unit
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The unit(s) of measurement applicable to the metric.
: Cubic meters (m³)
Indicator
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Indicators were developed by WBCSD. Learn more on the Methodology page.
: Water consumption and withdrawal
Metric type
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The category of nature-related metrics. Learn more on the Methodology page.
: Pressure
Framework alignment notes
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The details of a metric’s alignment to each framework, including where the same or similar metric can be found within the listed framework.
This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
TNFD Core Global Disclosure Metric
C3.0
TNFD Additional Global Disclosure Metric
A3.0
ESRS E3-4
This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
This metric is partially aligned with the requirements of the framework.
Regen Ag outcome: Improved environmental flows
Target example
[Company name] will reduce its bluewater withdrawal in the [target area] basin to [target amount, absolute m3, or percentage/time period, e.g. month, year] by [target year]
Target Source: Adapted from SBTN Freshwater Target
Sector
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Each metric applies to one sector.
Agri-food
Value chain stage
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Each metric applies to one or more stages of the value chain aligned with the associated actions.
Raw MaterialsManufacturing
Metric assessment
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The relevance and feasibility scores were determined by WBCSD member companies. Learn more on the Methodology page.
Relevance:High
Feasibility:High
Additional Metric Notes
Rationale:
Water withdrawal is a key pressure on water resources caused by agricultural systems. Reducing this pressure is vital for aligning agriculture with planetary boundaries.
Blue water refers to rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and renewable groundwater stores. Contextualizing water withdrawal with information on water stress is important to focus reduction efforts on areas of greatest need. It may be necessary to identify water-stressed locations within the supply chain.
Key resources:
SBTN-Freshwater;
WBCSD Regen-ag Metrics - Water chapter; WRI Aqueduct
Additional/complementary metrics:
Bluewater withdrawals
(aligned with basin environmental flows)
Water use in irrigation
Water use efficiency (per crop or per revenue generated)
Wastewater reused in processes
Landscape deep dives:
Cerrado, BR - soy (+ corn/cotton rotation) - Key indicator for this biome where irrigation practices are expanding
Key resources: Rimas-SBG (BR hydrological data): https://rimasweb.sgb.gov.br/layout/visualizar_mapa.php;
Upper Midwest, USA - corn (+ soy rotation) - Key resources:
USDA Irrigation and Water Management: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Farm_and_Ranch_Irrigation/;
Mekong Delta, VA - rice (+ aquaculture rotation) - Key indicator for this biome which has med-high water stress and irrigation practices are expanding
Key resources:
IRRI - 1M5R: https://ghgmitigation.irri.org/mitigation-technologies/1-must-do-5-reductions;
Sustainable Rice Platform: https://sustainablerice.org/;
Friesland, NL - dairy (incl roughage growing) - Landscape-specific metrics: for livestock, applicable for grazing and industrial systems; recommend reporting additionally embedded water use in animal feed (as per SBTN-Freshwater guidance);
Sidama, ETH - coffee - Key indicator for this biome which has med-high water stress
Related actions
Reduce water use, particularly in water-stressed areas, from processing and food manufacturing
Support and incentivize regenerative agriculture and sustainable intensification outcomes at sourcing locations
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize agri-inputs and drive sustainable intensification
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas, in resource extraction and production processes
Develop and deploy inputs and technology to drive sustainable intensification and regenerative agriculture outcomes
Develop and implement practices to drive regenerative agriculture