Water management in companies

To mark World Water Day, Grup Carles would like to talk about the importance of managing this vital resource. Today, with the drought situation, the population's concern about the need to manage its use correctly has increased.

The industrial sector is one of the sectors with the highest water consumption and therefore has the opportunity to improve the management of this resource. Companies have the resources and support of the administration to implement measures that allow for better water management.

The first step in managing this resource is to carry out a water audit, which is the starting point that will allow us to detect the critical points in our water system and then draw up an action plan to improve water efficiency and use.

In this water audit, it is common to calculate the water footprint, an indicator that allows us to reflect the amount of water we use for the production of our goods and services (including manufacturing processes, facility maintenance, marketing of products and services, etc.).

Due to the variety of industries that exist, it is important to carry out this preliminary exercise before implementing action measures, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of each company's situation and determine the most efficient measure to implement in each case.

In general, we can highlight three main actions that will enable the optimisation of water use:

1. Storage of effluents for reuse: In addition to storing water for times of scarcity, it is important to consider reusing effluents generated in production processes. This may include installing rainwater harvesting systems.

2. Modifications to the production process: The integration of innovative technologies into production processes can contribute significantly to reducing the water footprint. The installation of flow meters, level detection sensors and other monitoring devices allows for better management of water consumption and the identification of opportunities for savings.

3. Reuse of treated water: The reuse of treated water is a key strategy for reducing the water footprint. This water can be used in various applications such as cleaning facilities, cooling systems or boilers, and other industrial processes. Implementing advanced wastewater treatment systems is essential to ensure the quality of reused water and minimise environmental impact.

In addition to these actions, it is important to foster a corporate culture focused on water sustainability. This may involve raising staff awareness of the importance of water conservation, implementing water-saving practices in everyday activities, and collaborating with other companies and organisations to share knowledge and best practices in water management.

In short, reducing a company's water footprint requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses both technological and cultural aspects. Through water auditing and the implementation of water-saving and reuse measures, companies can make a significant contribution to the preservation of this valuable natural resource.

How can Grup Carles help you? 

At Grup Carles, we have extensive experience in implementing sustainability solutions and are ready to help you implement these changes. Our team of sustainability consultants can advise you on your water footprint.

Our suite of strategy and sustainability services comprehensively addresses how to integrate environmental, social and governance issues into core business practices.

Discover how we can help you make your project a sustainable reality.