How can we develop a simple and visual Water Footprint QuickScan that quickly provides insight into a location’s water consumption and waste — and immediately shows which first actions can be taken to use water more sustainably?
Why this challenge?
Many organizations today know their CO₂ footprint, but have no idea how much water they actually use — both directly and indirectly. The agriculture, energy and industrial sectors together account for more than 86% of total water consumption.
Meanwhile, clean water is becoming increasingly scarce worldwide. We want to develop a method that gives both ourselves and our customers clear insight into how much water is truly being used and where the biggest sources of waste occur. The goal is to create a fast, accessible QuickScan method that enables the first step in understanding our water footprint, and which we can later expand into a full service.
Intended Deliverables
- Water flow map & baseline
- Top‑3 analysis + action sheet
- Visual poster or infographic: “Our First Water Footprint”
- Simple calculation tool (Excel/Sheets) for liters and euros
Data & Requirements
We will provide basic information such as:
- water meter readings or invoices
- a list of activities that require water
- a site tour or digital explanation of the water flows
Students are free to creatively fill in any missing data(estimating, interviewing, observing).
Kiwa is an independent global leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), dedicated to creating trust in products, processes, systems and people. Operating in a wide range of sectors—from energy and construction to food, water, mobility and healthcare—Kiwa plays a crucial role in supporting organizations as they transition toward more sustainable, safe and future‑proof operations. This mission aligns naturally with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for collective action to protect the planet, ensure well‑being, and foster responsible economic growth.
At its core, Kiwa contributes to sustainability by enabling companies to meet high standards of quality, safety and environmental responsibility. Through certification schemes, audits, inspections, laboratory testing and expert consultancy, Kiwa helps organizations understand their impact, reduce risks, and continuously improve. This work strengthens the foundations of a sustainable society: reliable infrastructure, responsible production, clean energy systems, and safe working environments.
