Quantis Water Database (2018)

Detailed Description

Water use is a growing concern. In the frame of life cycle assessment (LCA), this issue has historically been overlooked. For the past few years, however, several new methodologies of water use impact assessment have been developed. The Water Footprint Network (WFN) presents a methodology for assessing water footprints (Hoekstra, 2011). Multiple other initiatives suggest different tools and methodologies (e.g. WBCSD Global Water Tool, Water Disclosure Project, UNEP-SETAC water use life impact assessment (WULCA) working group, etc.).

There is a strong need for inventory data that are structured according to the methods’ requirements. Moreover, these methods require data that in some cases do not exist in current life cycle inventory Databases.

The aim of this “water Database” is to fill this gap and provide water footprint practitioners with the data and structure they need to apply the latest methodologies.

The project is supported by nine industrial partners (Danone, Kraft, L’Oréal, Molson Coors, Natura, Steelcase and Veolia Environnement) and by the ecoinvent Centre, a life cycle inventory Database provider. The project is based on ecoinvent data and further developments have been done in order to enhance the information on water in this Database.

The Quantis Water Database is the first database generating the water footprint of any product, service, company or organization throughout its life cycle. Water footprints can be used to assess water-related risks as well as identify, communicate and reduce impacts associated with water. Companies using Quantis Water Database are making a clear commitment to be on the forefront of water footprinting.

The Quantis Water Database is based on a Life Cycle perspective so water footprints can be calculated throughout the supply chain. Direct and indirect water use and consumption, as well as water pollution of products and processes can be computed.