Responsible water use

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Companies and their value chains are responsible for a large share of global water consumption. Global water resources are also consumed to manufacture products used by Finnish people. Companies are now setting the course for more responsible water use.

Water responsibility means that a company answers for its entire water consumption, including the water needed to produce the raw materials and semi-finished products it uses. These raw materials and semi-finished goods are often produced abroad in countries that may be afflicted by scarcity of water and poor ecological status of lakes and rivers. In Finland, too, companies have scope for more sustainable water use and better management of their impacts on aquatic environments.

Water responsibility is considered to be an important part of companies’ corporate social responsibility, through which they contribute to ensuring that there is enough water for everyone in the world. Water responsibility also contributes to companies’ risk management and to creating a positive company image, similarly to efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Finnish research institutes, ministries and WWF Finland have created a Water Stewardship Commitment for companies. It helps companies assess water risks and develop sustainable water use and governance throughout their value chains. The commitment encompasses methods and guidelines that companies can use at different stages of their journey towards water responsibility. The commitments are linked to implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in Finland.

The goal set for Finland and Finnish companies is reaching the highest level of water responsibility in the world by 2030. The government-funded Vesivastuu2030 project studies and develops means for attaining this goal and produces clear operating models and guidelines for promoting water responsibility in companies and other organisations.

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