Volume of water use of primary inputs, including in catchement(s) of origin
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.
AWS 1.4.1 The embedded water use of primary inputs, including quantity, quality and level of water risk within the site’s catchment, shall be identified
AWS 1.4.3 The embedded water use of primary inputs in catchment(s) of origin shall be quantified.
CDP Water Security
W1.2b What are the total volumes of water withdrawn, discharged, and consumed across all your operations, how do they compare to the previous reporting year, and how are they forecasted to change.
W1.2h Provide total water withdrawal data by source
ISO 14046 - quantities of water used (including water withdrawal and release)
types of water resources used (including for water withdrawal and water receiving body)
Target example
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An example target and the target source are presented to illustrate how a target could be set for this metric. Learn more on the Methodology page.
[Company name] will reduce their overall levels of water use within primary inputs by [target percentage]% by [target year], compared to a baseline of [baseline percentage]% in [baseline year].
Target source: WBCSD target template
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:Medium
Additional Metric Notes
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More details or context about the metric not captured above.
ACT-D stage:
Assess
Maturity stage:
Developing
Metric Contribution to Action:
Measuring water volumes embedded in primary inputs contributes to site-level water balance, improves understanding of supply chain risks, and supports the prioritization of sustainable sourcing from lower-risk or more water-efficient origins.
Observations/Successes/Challenges:
> Many companies lack direct visibility into the catchments where their suppliers operate.
> Inputs may come from numerous locations, making it difficult to track water use at all levels.
> Water stress varies by season and geography
> Key supply chain actors often have water use estimates, and prioritization by materiality improves feasibility.
Related actions
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The other actions that the metric is mapped to.
Reduce water use and wastage, particularly in water-stressed areas