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ISO 46001 certification

Improve water efficiency, reduce water consumption and strengthen sustainable water management with ISO 46001 certification.
Save Water

What is ISO 46001?

ISO 46001 is an international standard for water efficiency management systems. It helps organisations monitor, measure and improve water use through a structured approach. 

ISO 46001 at a glance: 

  • Purpose: Improve water efficiency and support sustainable water management.  
  • Scope: Applicable to organisations of all types and sizes that use water.  
  • Approach: Supports the reduce, replace and reuse approach where feasible. 
  • Key focus: Water-use planning, monitoring, measurement, documentation and improvement.  

ISO 46001 certification demonstrates that your organisation manages water efficiency systematically, with defined objectives, measurable actions and a commitment to continual improvement. 

Benefits of ISO 46001 certification

ISO 46001 certification can help your organisation reduce water consumption, improve operational efficiency and make water efficiency part of everyday business management.

Reduce water consumption

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Identify improvement opportunities and reduce unnecessary water use across operations. 

Lower operating costs

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Improve water efficiency and reduce related energy, treatment, discharge and pumping costs.

Strengthen sustainability performance

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Support ESG goals, resource efficiency and sustainable water management commitments.

Improve accountability

Product Optimisation
Define responsibilities, track performance and support continual improvement in water use.

Manage water-related risks

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Reduce exposure to water scarcity, supply disruption and changing regulatory expectations.

Increase stakeholder confidence

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Demonstrate your commitment to water efficiency through independent ISO 46001 certification.

Start your ISO 46001 certification journey

Ready to assess your water efficiency management system? Speak with TÜV SÜD about the next steps towards ISO 46001 certification.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

    Why should my business consider ISO 46001 certification?
    ISO 46001 certification can help your business reduce water consumption, lower operational costs, improve resource efficiency and support sustainability goals. It also helps demonstrate responsible water management to customers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders.
    How can my company start the ISO 46001 certification journey?
    Your company can start by defining the certification scope, reviewing current water use, identifying existing controls and assessing gaps against ISO 46001 requirements. TÜV SÜD can support you with a readiness review and guide you through the certification audit process.
    Can ISO 46001 be integrated with other ISO management systems?
    Yes. ISO 46001 can be integrated with other management systems, including ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 50001 for energy management. This can help organisations manage sustainability, energy and water efficiency through a more coordinated approach.
    How long does ISO 46001 certification take?
    The certification timeline depends on your organisation’s size, complexity, number of sites, current management system maturity and readiness for audit. Some organisations may complete the process within a few months, while others may require more time to prepare.
    Who should consider ISO 46001 certification?
    ISO 46001 certification is suitable for organisations of all types and sizes that use water and want to improve water efficiency. It is especially relevant for manufacturing sites, commercial buildings, food and beverage companies, hospitality, electronics, data centres, public facilities and other operations with significant water use.
    Is ISO 46001 only for water-intensive industries?
    No. ISO 46001 is not limited to water-intensive industries. Any organisation that uses water can apply the standard to improve water efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen sustainable water management.

    Improve water efficiency with ISO 46001 certification

    Build a structured approach to reducing water consumption and demonstrate your commitment to sustainable water management.