This Imperative requires manufacturers to operate within the water carrying capacity of their facility locations and work in harmony with the natural water flows of their sites. Manufacturers must achieve the Net Positive requirements for water within both their own site operations and the full life cycle of the product. See the Net Positive Water Clarifications for additional information.
On-Site Net Positive:
100% of the product’s manufacturing water needs at the final manufacturing facility must be supplied by captured rainwater or another natural closed loop water system. Manufacturers can also recycle industrial water. In addition:
- All water used must be purified as needed without the use of harmful chemicals.
- All stormwater and water discharge must be treated on-site and managed either through reuse, a closed-loop system or infiltration.
- Excess stormwater can be released onto adjacent sites under certain conditions.
Life Cycle Net Positive:
Manufacturers must reduce the product’s cradle-to-gate water Footprint through on-site and supply chain innovations to conserve or capture water, and then create a water Handprint greater than the Footprint to become water Net Positive through one or more of the following strategies:
- Innovate to conserve or recapture more water across the life cycle of the product compared to the base case.
- Engage with customers and other product users to achieve water conservation and/or restoration.
- Work outside of the supply chain to reduce potable water consumption or harvest potable water.
