Water Positive: myth or not?

There is a growing application and adoption of Net Positive commitments by industries, which is perceived as the intention to create more positive than negative impacts on water resources in terms of water quantity, water quality and access to water. This goes beyond so-called Net Zero commitments in which negative impacts are compensated with positive impacts. But what does Water Positive mean in practice? And can it actually be achieved? This ‘page’ dives deeper into the concept of Water Positive based on a project in Indonesia.

Is water the next priority in the chemical sector?

Water is an indispensable resource in the chemical industry, used extensively in processes such as cooling, cleaning, and as a solvent. With increasing water scarcity and pollution as well as more stringent regulations, the sector r requires to keep pace with these developments and reduce physical, regulatory and reputational risks at its assets and its supply chains. Responsible water management is crucial to ensure business continuity, regulatory compliance, and the availability of safe water for future generations.

One concept is called Net Positive Water Impacts. But what does Water Positive entail? Can it support in reducing water-related risks? What are the pros and cons of this approach? This ‘page’ dives deeper into the concept of Water Positive based on a project in Indonesia.

Supporting chemical companies to shift from Net Zero to Net Positive water impact

A multinational chemical company sought the support and expertise of Royal HaskoningDHV to undertake a study following the concept of Net Positive Water Impact for one of its sites located in a highly stressed area in Indonesia. The client already had a strong climate and circular strategy but had not yet adopted any corporate targets on water. To make water an integral part of its environmental corporate strategy and its 2030 goals, our experts adopted the approach outlined in the SDG Ambition Paper “Net-Positive Water Impact (NPWI) in Water-Stressed Basins” of the UN Global Compact CEO Mandate and its Water Resilience Coalition. The objective of the project was to set meaningful water targets towards a Net Water Positive commitment for a selected site and use this as blueprint towards other sites. The project led to an initial roadmap for implementation including optimization measures on site and contribution to water conservation and protection projects in the larger catchment area.

While the concept of Net Positive Water Impact (NPWI) is gaining traction among industrial actors, it is not without controversy. Leading organizations, such as WWF, have raised concerns that focusing on net water positivity on a global scale might reinforce inward-focused actions and does not necessarily resolve local water stress issues. This is why RHDHV adopts a holistic approach, identifying proactive measures both inside and outside the fence line to address site level hotspots and water-related challenges at catchment level.

Inside out: Embracing a comprehensive approach to water challenges and opportunities

In alignment with best sectoral practices, our experts reviewed with asset teams cutting-edge technological and managerial innovations to boost site performance and maximize water efficiency, embodying the principles of reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery. Key operational excellence opportunities included:

• Setting clear targets for groundwater intake reduction, ensuring optimal reuse and recycling on-site, and using rainwater as a renewable water source to minimize negative impacts and demonstrate good practice on NPWI to stakeholders.
• Ensuring no negative water impacts from effluent or other pollutants by addressing any past, present, and future pollutant sources to prevent negative impacts on water quality.
• Increasing monitoring and performance measurement to optimize water use and WWTP performance as well as ensuring data availability verified by a third party and engaging with stakeholders to meet Net Positive goals.
• Implementing rainwater harvesting and storage, especially during the rainy season, to reduce groundwater consumption by up to 30%.

Within the broader water context, the client was located in a severely water-stressed area with high exposure to climate change impacts. These impacts included changing rainfall patterns, water availability, precipitation, run-off, and droughts, which directly affect the project site in terms of floods and water provision. Additionally, there is a lack of access to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services, and increasing pollution of surface and groundwater. Achieving a water-positive impact while mitigating the full range of risks the site faces required collaboration with other water users, NGOs, and local authorities.

Our experts therefore identified the most effective collective actions and ‘win-win’ opportunities with key implementing partners, such as water replenishment programs, WASH community projects, and plastic leakage prevention programs. By strengthening existing projects rather than implementing individual ones, the site could reduce costs, strengthen its relationships, and, more importantly, increase its impact.

Results: Transformative water stewardship roadmap for chemical production

By thoroughly assessing catchment challenges, risks, and opportunities, we helped our client understand the underlying causes of their water risks and forge meaningful partnerships. Our approach provided the keys to identify the right targets and goals, equipping our client with the insights needed to confidently progress towards adapting and implementing water-related targets. This method not only aided in informed decision-making but also served as a model for other industry leaders.

Your journey to Net Positive Water Stewardship 

At Royal HaskoningDHV, we understand that each chemical company’s journey to water net positivity is unique. Our approach focuses on establishing precise, actionable targets tailored to your specific context and ambitions. We help you identify risks and seize opportunities, whether you are starting from scratch or building on existing environmental commitments, climate strategies, or water-related goals.

Our comprehensive expertise in environmental services ensures that we guide you towards a positive water impact at a pace that suits your needs, instilling confidence in your pursuit of environmental excellence. Beyond defining clear metrics, we provide a concrete roadmap for progress and offer water stewardship capacity-building services. This ensures that each initiative is measurable, impactful, and empowers you for successful implementation.

We are dedicated to safeguarding your business continuity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing your brand’s reputation. Contact us to learn more and start your journey towards Net Positive Water Stewardship with Royal HaskoningDHV.