What is BS EN ISO 14002-2 – Water environmental management about?
Water is critical for all living systems, yet water resources are under stress. In response, BS EN ISO 14002-2:2023 gives guidance and examples of applying the BS EN ISO 14001 framework to tackle water-related environmental issues. It helps organizations plan actions in relation to their own impacts, as well as organizational water dependencies and vulnerabilities.
To download our free Executive Briefing to learn more how BS EN ISO 14002-2 will improve your organisation's water environmental management, click here.
Who is BS EN ISO 14002-2 – Water environmental management for?
It applies to organizations irrespective of their size, type, financial resources, location, and sector. Users will likely include:
- Companies from water intensive sectors (e.g. mining, electricity generation, heavy metal industry, agriculture), but also retail, tourism and marine-based industries
- Water suppliers and wastewater treatment companies
- Sustainability officers
- Sustainability and environmental consultants
- Risk managers
- Environmental managers
- Organizational leadership teams
- Environmental auditors
- Environmental protection agencies
- Watershed/catchment area alliances
What does BS EN ISO 14002-2 – Water environmental management cover?
BS EN ISO 14002-2 is for organizations that want to tackle water-related environmental issues within an BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental Management System framework.
It covers environmental management relating to water quantity and quality, such as water withdrawal, efficient use of water, and water discharge; as well as approaches to coping with water related events like flooding and droughts.
BS EN ISO 14002-2 considers the interconnections of water with other environmental media and takes a holistic approach to the management of water due to its impacts on ecosystems, ecosystem services, related biodiversity, as well as human life and wellbeing. The document provides general guidance, applies to all types of water, and considers a life cycle perspective.
Why should you use BS EN ISO 14002-2 – Water environmental management?
Organizations can use BS EN ISO 14002-2 to help determine how best to tackle the risks and opportunities associated with their water-related environmental aspects or conditions.
The benefits of applying BS EN ISO 14002-2 include:- Fulfilling compliance obligations related to water withdrawal, water consumption, and water quality, and supporting public policies
- Enhancing environmental performance and fostering resilient ecosystems by achieving environmental objectives through the management of water-related environmental aspects
- Protecting the environment through prevention or mitigation of adverse impacts on water resources and ecosystems
- Preventing and mitigating water-related business risks and leveraging opportunities in an organization’s operations and its supply chain, in response to changing environmental conditions
- Aligning the Environmental Management System with the organization’s strategic direction, e.g. to support specific environmental policy or organizational commitments related to sustainable use and protection of water resources
- Supporting water-related sustainable development goals (SDGs)
- Contributing to compliance with international agreements and conventions related to water as well as the transition to a circular economy (reuse and recycling of water)
These benefits can also lead to cost reductions, security of supply and production, better relations with relevant interested parties, and an improved public image.BS EN ISO 14002-2 can also help your organization grow sustainably and improve its risk management.
BS EN ISO 14002-2:2023 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 on ending hunger, achieving food security and sustainable agriculture; Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation; Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production; Goal 13 on climate action; Goal 14 on life below water; and Goal 15 on life on land.
