Will work to improve water footprint measurement and more sustainable supply chains.
Li Yong, Director-General of UNIDO and CEO of DNV GL – Business Assurance, Luca Crisciotti.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and DNV GL – Business Assurance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation of water footprint measurements and capacity building for sustainable supply chains.
Water risk has emerged to be a key sustainability issue for organisations worldwide. Freshwater resources are coming under increasing pressure due to climate change and competing demands from growing industries and populations. Consequently, many businesses are seeking to measure and mitigate the water footprints of their products and services.
UNIDO and DNV GL will cooperate on the joint development of a water footprint self-assessment tool to assist small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to evaluate their water footprint in the early stages of the product life cycle; from sourcing to raw material processing and production.
Even though there are a number of methods available today to help companies calculate and assess their water use and impacts, they need access to practical tools to start to implement these methods. SMEs in particular do not have the resources or technical capability to assess their water impact, but are already being asked by their customers to provide data and information.
“Sustainable water resource management presents a significant global challenge. DNV GL and UNIDO have a common interest in combating water scarcity and improve industry awareness of water related risks and opportunities. We are pleased to use our combined expertise to develop measures that will enable the business community to benchmark, report and improve their water footprint,” says CEO of DNV GL – Business Assurance, Luca Crisciotti.
Supply chain capacity programme
UNIDO and DNV GL will also cooperate on a capacity building programme together with large food manufacturers. Suppliers in developing countries often face difficulties to adequately respond to market requirements, especially in terms of quality, quantity, productivity and sustainability.
“UNIDO and DNV GL will work in partnership and in collaboration with large food brand owners and manufacturers to help them make their supply chains more inclusive and sustainable,” says Li Yong, Director-General of UNIDO.
By enabling local producers to enhance their capacity and better meet the food safety requirements of buyers, the producers can improve their access to national, regional and international markets. The buyers on their side, will have the benefit of a more effective, sustainable and reliable supply chain.
“A big challenge for companies in developing countries is to secure trust in the marketplace for their goods and services, both from a quality and capacity point of view. If we can improve market access for these companies, it will increase their revenue and contribute to local economic growth and prosperity,” says Luca Crisciotti.
As of 12 September 2013, DNV and GL have merged to DNV GL.
About DNV GL
Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. DNV GL is a leading provider of classification, certification, verification and training services. With our origins stretching back to 1864, our reach today is global. Operating in more than 100 countries, our 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.
As a world-leading certification body, DNV GL helps businesses assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment, and training services. We also deliver deep insight and pragmatic support to major companies enabling them to build effective sustainability strategies. Partnering with our customers, we build sustainable business performance and create stakeholder trust.