Wastewater Zero

Commitment:
Guidance document
 Contents

1 Wastewater Zero | 3
1. Introduction | 4
2. Wastewater Zero Report | 4
3. What we mean by Wastewater Zero | 6
4. What this means for businesses | 6
5. Wastewater Zero initiative | 7
6. How it links to corporate practice and global policy | 7

2 Why commit | 12
1. Why commit to Wastewater Zero | 13
2. Who can join | 13
3. Benefits of commitment | 13

3 Wastewater Zero Commitment | 14

1. Three pillars of commitment | 15
2. Commitment requirements | 16
3. Scope & phased approach | 17
4. Supporting tools | 19
5. Procedure for commitment | 20
6. Commitment website and statistics | 23

4 Explanatory notes | 24
1. Scope of the commitment | 25
2. Local regulations | 26
3. Ambitious and realistic targets | 26
4. Wastewater treatment levels (secondary/tertiary treatment) | 27
5. Low carbon technology options and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) | 27
6. Glossary | 28

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 2

1 Wastewater Zero

Wastewater
Wastewater Zero
Zero Commitment:
Commitment: Guidance
Guidance document
document 33
 1 Wastewater Zero
INTRODUCTION of freshwater biodiversity undermining the realization of the
loss and further impacts Paris Climate Agreement goals.
Wastewater pollution from freshwater availability.1 Improper Several reports published since
industry impacts climate, management of industrial 2017 have highlighted the scope,
biodiversity, and water security. wastewater contributes to scale and urgency that is required
It has been increasing GHG emissions and impedes for wastewater management (see
significantly and is a key driver adaptation to climate change, table 1).

Table 1: Reports highlighting the urgency of action on wastewater pollution

Name of report Author Year of Key messages

publication
World Water Development United Nations World 2017 80% of wastewater is discharged
Report 2017 on Wastewater: Water Assessment directly into the environment without
The Untapped Resource2 Programme treatment

SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2018 United Nations 2018 The world is off track to meet SDG6
on Water and Sanitation3 targets

Quality Unknown: The World Bank 2019 In regions downstream from heavily
Invisible Water Crisis4 polluted rivers, GDP growth is lower by
a third

Achieving Abundance: WRI and Valuing Nature 2020 Estimated annual cost to reduce
Understanding the Cost of a pollution caused by industrial
Sustainable Water Future5 wastewater is USD$ 87.4 billion

CDP Global Water Report CDP 2020 Only 10% of companies surveyed
2019: Cleaning up their act6 reported risks linked to water pollution
and only 12% of companies have set
pollution-related targets

The cost of business as usual far WASTEWATER ZERO

outweighs the cost of action to fix REPORT
the problems linked to industrial Wastewater Zero
wastewater pollution7. This also WBCSD’s report Wastewater A call to action for business
to raise ambition for SDG 6.3
leads to missed opportunities Zero: A call to action for business
for business to make progress to raise ambition for SDG 6.3
on biodiversity, climate change presents wastewater pollution as
and water security to achieve the a climate, freshwater biodiversity
Sustainable Development Goals and water security challenge,
(SDGs). To raise the ambition for and describes what it means
SDG 6.3 - which calls for halving for business risk and continuity
the proportion of untreated and highlights the opportunity to
wastewater and substantially address the challenge. The report
increasing recycling and safe triggers an urgent call to action to
reuse- business must commit to business to eliminate wastewater
Wastewater Zero. pollution.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 4

 Wastewater pollution impacts climate and nature leading
Figure 1: Industrial pollution impacts climate and biodiversity
to negative social, environmental and economic outcomes
Wastewater pollution impacts climate and nature leading to negative social, environmental and
economic outcomes

CLIMATE CHANGE
Improper management
of industrial wastewater
contributes to GHG
emissions and impedes
SDGS ECONOMY
adaptation to climate change
A lack of progress on The cost of action -
eliminating wastewater to eliminate industrial
pollution significantly wastewater pollution -
WASTEWATER impedes the attainment is significantly cheaper
Globally, an estimated of SDGs than business as usual
80% of wastewater
is discharged without
treatment directly into BIODIVERSITY LOSS
the environment Pollution from industrial
wastewater contributes
to impacts that lead to
freshwater biodiversity loss

Essential to the report are three aspects:

• An Action framework – six high-level principles for business to focus its attention for wastewater
management.

• Commitment mechanism – three areas for corporate commitment to demonstrate leadership around
wastewater and monitor progress over time.

• Policy asks – areas where there needs to be policy changes to enable business to take action.

Figure 2: Action framework and commitment mechanism (as described in Wastewater Zero report)

N FRAMEWORK
ACTIO

TARGETS &
CIRCULARITY
METRICS
Incorporate principles
Establish targets
of circularity
and metrics based on
throughout the
science and context
organization

ENT MECHA
ITM NI
OMM SM
C

VALUE CHAIN VALUING WATER

LOW CARBON
Incentivize and TREATMENT ZERO Value water to
FRESH WATER
support value chain minimize negative
partners externalities and
incentivize reuse

ZERO
POLLUTION

PARTNERSHIPS DISCLOSURE
Invest in public Improve disclosure
private partnerships beyond compliance

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 5

 As a follow up to this report, The Wastewater Zero Further downstream, wastewater
the Wastewater Zero Initiative Commitment calls on business pollution also impacts other
aims to mobilize business to to set a deadline of 2030 to key stakeholders, including
reduce the impact of wastewater achieve their Wastewater Zero farmers, who may use untreated
pollution and drive performance targets. The Initiative emphasizes wastewater for irrigation, which
improvements for wastewater on the need to collaborate at in turn negatively impacts
management that benefit climate, sector, industrial or basin level yields; large water users, who
biodiversity and water security. to establish a standardized and will need to invest in additional
transparent mechanism with treatment capacity to ensure
WHAT WE MEAN BY a common vision to monitor water quality is fit for purpose,
WASTEWATER ZERO progress of business action on and the public, whose water
wastewater. supply maybe sourced from
The Wastewater Zero Initiative is
polluted waters and / or use
a mechanism to raise ambition WHAT THIS MEANS FOR polluted water for recreational
for business to meet SDG BUSINESSES purposes. Understanding water
6.3 – which calls for halving
quality status at a basin-scale, the
the proportion of untreated For those companies that have
impacts of wastewater pollution
wastewater and substantially identified water security and
on key stakeholders and the
increasing recycling and safe / or freshwater biodiversity as
externalities of these impacts
reuse. The Wastewater Zero a material, issue, water quality
are key steps to understand the
Commitment calls on business to: and the impact of wastewater
scope and scale of the issue.
pollution is a key issue to address
• Release no hazardous at a site-level and / or supplier
Although considerable efforts
substances into the level. For those companies that
are made by business in reducing
environment and treat all have a large wastewater footprint
water withdrawals, only 59%
generated wastewater; – within their own operations or
respondents to CDP monitor
• Increase the proportion of in their supply chain - reducing
the quality of their wastewater
reused and recycled water; wastewater pollution will also
discharges and merely 4.4%
contribute to meeting climate
are setting/ reporting progress
• Treat all wastewater with low- goals and targets.8 against pollution targets that
Calling on policy
carbon makers
treatment to support business actions towards SDG6.3demonstrably improve water
processes
quality.8

Figure 3: Call to action for policy makers (as described in Wastewater Zero report)

STANDARDS REGULATION VALUE PARTNERSHIPS INCENTIVIZE

Establish clear Establish the Support and Enable partnerships Incentivize the
guidelines, based on means to monitor require business between public recycling of water
the best available and enforce to internalize sector bodies and by industry and the
science, for effluent regulations externalities arising the private sector trading of reused
discharges and from water pollution water
wastewater reuse

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 6

WASTEWATER ZERO • Be proactive in measuring, strengthen corporate disclosure
INITIATIVE monitoring and reporting of of water-related dependencies
impacts from wastewater and impacts to provide insights
The scale of wastewater and take concrete steps on how improvements in
pollution and its impacts is in mitigating impacts for wastewater governance can
significant and the risk to achieving the raised ambition translate into action and impact.
business is multifaceted. Thus, for SDG 6.3.
the Wastewater Zero Initiative HOW IT LINKS TO
aims to mobilize business to Wastewater pollution risk can CORPORATE PRACTICE
reduce the impact of wastewater often originate from value AND GLOBAL POLICY
pollution and drive performance chain partners and manifest
improvements. It places itself downstream, meaning There is great momentum
wastewater at the heart of that business needs to look around corporate target setting,
business strategy by enabling beyond the fence to fully assess reporting and disclosure.
businesses to: and manage risk. Addressing This provides actionable
wastewater pollution in supply information for business and to
• Be aware of the impacts of chains is an important action critical stakeholders including
wastewater pollution and area highlighted by the Initiative government, civil society, and
identifying ways to address and provides concrete steps to investors. Also, more companies
the link between biodiversity, collect and report supply chain are aligning their strategies with
climate, and water security. related data. the SDGs to demonstrate impact.
This section highlights some of
• Understand the urgency The Initiative aims to build the key initiatives and guidance
of industry action on business resilience by unlocking in this space and describes their
eliminating wastewater opportunities in wastewater relevance to wastewater pollution.
pollution to respond to risk management and disclosure,
and opportunities in their thereby contributing to overall
operations and supply chains. water security. It intends to

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 7

Corporate targets and standards

Initiatives that support and validate science-based targets and provide specific guidance and standards
for water stewardship targets and approaches are important tools to guide business on their strategy.
Table 2 below highlights some of the most relevant initiatives for wastewater.
Table 2: Corporate initiatives and standards and their relevance to wastewater

Initiative Description Relevance to wastewater Relevance to

Wastewater Zero
The Science Based SBTi drives ambitious climate Wastewater (untreated Committing to Wastewater
Targets initiative action in the private sector and treated) emits GHGs, Zero, for companies with a
(SBTi)9 by enabling companies to set including methane, nitrous large wastewater footprint,
science-based emissions oxide and carbon dioxide. can contribute to reaching
reduction targets. science-based emissions
reduction targets.
The Science Based The Science Based Targets Wastewater pollution Committing to Wastewater
Targets Network10 Network are developing impacts biodiversity, climate, Zero, will provide extra
SBTs for Nature:11 integrated freshwater and oceans, so impetus to companies who
SBTs for all aspects of it is likely that eliminating need to take significant
nature: biodiversity, climate, wastewater pollution will actions to eliminate
freshwater, land, and ocean. contribute to achieving wastewater pollution to reach
corporate SBTs for Nature. their Science Based Targets
for Nature.
Alliance for Water The AWS Standard is a Good water quality status is Committing to Wastewater
Stewardship (AWS) globally applicable framework one of the five outcomes of Zero will provide companies
Standard12 for major water users to the AWS standard, driving with extra tools and insights
understand their water best practices for wastewater to implement and certify the
use and impacts, and to management and reuse. AWS Standard, specifically as
work collaboratively and it relates to the good water
transparently for sustainable quality outcome.
water management within a
catchment context.
Contextual Water Site water targets informed Data and information related Committing to Wastewater
Targets13 by catchment context aims to to wastewater effluent, Zero will provide companies
help companies set effective water quality and reuse with extra tools and insights
site water targets that are are important in setting to develop contextual water
informed by catchment contextual water targets. targets, specifically related to
context. water quality and reuse.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 8

Reporting and disclosure

Prominent global reporting and disclosure frameworks and initiatives recommend inclusion of key indicators
related to wastewater pollution, associated GHG emissions and transition to low carbon economy across
industrial operations and their supply chains. Table 3 provides an overview of various reporting and
disclosure guidance and initiatives and their relevance to wastewater pollution.
Table 3: Corporate reporting and disclosure guidance and initiatives with their relevance to wastewater
pollution

Initiative Description Relevance to wastewater Relevance to

Wastewater Zero
Climate Disclosure The CDSB Framework The disclosure of Information reported as
Standards Board application guidance for wastewater-related part of the Wastewater
(CDSB)14 water-related disclosures information is recommended Zero Initiative can be used
supports companies in to identify and assess various to report in line with CDSB
reporting material water- risks and opportunities to guidance.
related information in support enhanced internal
mainstream company decision support for
reports. mainstream reporting.
CDP15 CDP’s work with water Wastewater treatment, reuse, Information reported as
security motivates recycling and freshwater part of the Wastewater Zero
companies to disclose and pollution aspects are covered Initiative can be used to
reduce their environmental in the CDP Water Security respond to parts of the CDP
impacts by using the power questionnaire. water security questionnaire.
of investors and customers.
The data CDP collects help
influential decision makers
to reduce risk, capitalize
on opportunities and drive
action towards a more
sustainable world.
Global Reporting The GRI 303: Water and Guidance on how to report The information reported
Initiative (GRI)16 Effluents 2018 represents effluents, reuse and recycling as part of the Wastewater
global best practice in are included in the GRI 303 Zero Initiative can be used to
water stewardship and standard. report information using GRI
disclosures on reporting standards.
water withdrawal, water
consumption, water
discharge, impacts in areas
with water stress, and
impacts in the supply chain.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 9

Initiative Description Relevance to wastewater Relevance to
Wastewater Zero
Task Force TCFD is an industry-led TCFD recommends transition Data collected as part of the
on Climate- initiative created to develop to a low carbon economy Wastewater Zero Initiative
related Financial a set of recommendations including: resource efficiency can be used for TCFD aligned
Disclosures for voluntary climate-related (greater use of recycling disclosures.
(TCFD)17 financial disclosures with an and reduced water usage
aim to provide consistent and and consumption); energy
transparent information to sources that have lower
global markets. emissions; resilience through
working with supply chains.
Task Force on TNFD will provide19 a The scope of final TNFD Data collected as part of the
Nature-related framework for corporates recommendations is very Wastewater Zero Initiative are
Financial and financial institutions to likely to encompass the likely to be very relevant for
Disclosures assess, manage and report freshwater biodiversity TNFD aligned disclosures.
(TNFD)18 on their dependencies and impact of wastewater.
impact on nature to aid
appraisal of nature-related
risk and direction of financial
flows towards nature positive
outcomes.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 10

UN SDG 6: Water and Sanitation

The main relevance for Wastewater Zero is water quality, which directly corresponds with SDG 6.3,20 which
seeks to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater discharged into our water bodies:

“By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of
hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially
increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.”21

SDG 6 is about “clean water and sanitation for all” and the elimination of wastewater pollution contributes to
several SDG 6 targets (see table 4 below), making the Wastewater Zero Commitment a clear signal of intent
and ambition to directly contribute to the attainment of SDG 6.3 and support other SDG 6 targets.

Table 4: SDG 6 targets and linkage to Wastewater Zero

SDG Targets Contribution of Wastewater Zero Commitment

SDG 6.1: achieve universal and equitable access to safe Eliminating wastewater pollution protects freshwater
and affordable drinking water for all sources and supports access to safe drinking water
supplies.
SDG 6.2: achieve access to adequate and equitable
sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation,
paying special attention to the needs of women and girls
and those in vulnerable situations
SDG 6.3: improve water quality by reducing pollution, Eliminating wastewater pollution protects freshwater
eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous sources and supports improved water quality. Reusing
chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of and recycling water supports progress towards
untreated wastewater and substantially increasing substantially increasing its practice.
recycling and safe reuse globally
SDG 6.4: substantially increase water-use efficiency Reusing and recycling water supports water efficiency
across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and can contribute to alleviating water scarcity.
and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and
substantially reduce the number of people suffering from
water scarcity
SDG 6.5: implement integrated water resources Eliminating wastewater pollution and increasing water
management at all levels, including through reuse and recycling can contribute to effective and
transboundary cooperation as appropriate efficient implementation of IWRM and transboundary
cooperation.
SDG 6.6: protect and restore water-related ecosystems, Eliminating wastewater pollution protects water-related
including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers ecosystems.
and lakes
SDG 6.a: expand international cooperation and Eliminating wastewater pollution and increasing water
capacity-building support to developing countries in reuse and recycling can lead to greater stakeholder
water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, cooperation and capacity building efforts.
including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency,
wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
SDG 6.b: support and strengthen the participation of
local communities in improving water and sanitation
management

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 11

2 Why commit

Wastewater
Wastewater Zero
Zero Commitment:
Commitment: Guidance
Guidance document
document 12
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 2 Why commit
WHY COMMIT TO to understand the importance of • The commitment will be
WASTEWATER ZERO wastewater impacts and enable validated through a credible
this transition to Wastewater Zero. and globally accepted
By taking the Wastewater Zero reporting system that
Commitment, companies: Companies not reporting to promotes best practice in data
CDP or other Small and Medium collection and assessment on
• Demonstrate leadership Enterprises (SMEs) are welcome water.
in tackling a major global to commit to Wastewater
challenge: water quality Zero. To encourage SMEs to • The commitment will allow
make commitments and drive business to send signals
• Generate impact by performance improvement, the to stakeholders including
contributing to the Wastewater Zero Commitment suppliers, investors,
implementation of the SDGs does not expect SMEs to government and other
• Aligning wastewater actions make supplier commitment as partners that they are
with climate, biodiversity, and described in Part 1b of the Scope committed to reducing their
water targets & Phased approach section. wastewater impact and
However, forward thinking SMEs strengthen their opportunities
• Be connected to peers and are welcome to demonstrate to collaborate for wastewater
partners active in this space leadership by engaging their governance.
supply chains.
• Have access to and inform • The commitment will over the
the development of tools BENEFITS OF time establish a track record
to support reaching your COMMITMENT of performance as year-on-
Wastewater Zero Commitment year progress with long-term
Making the wastewater zero targets is tracked. This will
WHO CAN JOIN commitment will benefit in turn strengthen corporate
companies in the following ways: disclosure of wastewater
The commitment encourages
to provide insights on how
all companies to join and • The commitment will bring
improvements in wastewater
demonstrate their leadership in wastewater dimensions to
governance can translate into
reducing wastewater impact on corporate climate, biodiversity
action and impact.
climate, biodiversity and water and water security goals and
security. Particularly, it welcomes help business understand the
commitment from priority role wastewater plays in these
sectors such as textiles, food and material issues.
beverage and pharmaceuticals

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 13

3 Wastewater Zero Commitment

Wastewater
Wastewater Zero
Zero Commitment:
Commitment: Guidance
Guidance document
document 14
14
 3 Wastewater Zero Commitment
THREE PILLARS OF In this commitment, business 2. Zero freshwater: Increasing
COMMITMENT will quantify and qualify their the proportion of water reused
commitment against three goals and recycled.
The Wastewater Zero and report progress annually:
Commitment enables business to 3. Low-carbon treatment:
commit to eliminating wastewater 1. Zero pollution: Treating all Adopting low carbon
pollution by 2030, thereby raising wastewater and releasing zero wastewater treatment
their ambitions for SDG 6.3. hazardous substances into the processes.
environment.

Figure 4: Pillars of Wastewater Zero Commitment

ZERO ZERO LOW-CARBON

POLLUTION FRESHWATER TREATMENT

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 15

 COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS
The commitment requires signing companies to align their targets, strategies, and actions towards the three
pillars of the commitment within own facilities and facilities of tier one suppliers as indicated in Table 5 below:

Table 5: Requirements of the Wastewater Zero Commitment for own operations and supply chains

Commit to ensuring that 100% of wastewater produced within

own facilities is treated to achieve or exceed relevant regulatory or
industry requirements and minimizes the release of priority hazardous
substances.

Commit to ensuring that a pre-defined percentage of suppliers

ZERO POLLUTION are compliant with relevant regulatory or industry effluent quality
requirements by a target year set by the company.

Reporting requirements: • Proportion of wastewater treated to atleast secondary treatment

standards either on-site, or by a third-party

• Compliance will be measured by number of incidents reported

Commit to ensuring a pre-defined percentage of total water use in

own facilities is reused or recycled water by a target year set by the
company.

ZERO FRESHWATER Commit to ensuring that a pre-defined percentage of suppliers have

reuse or recycling capabilities by a target year set by the company.

Reporting requirements: • Proportion of reused and recycled water

• Facilities and suppliers with reuse or recycling capabilities

Commit to reducing the emissions associated with treatment and

discharge of wastewater by using low-carbon processes, in alignment
with science-based emissions reduction targets.

LOW-CARBON Commit to ensuring a pre-defined percentage of suppliers have made

TREATMENT a science-based emissions reduction target by a target year set by the
company.

Reporting requirements: • Commitment to science-based emissions reduction targets

The commitment statement to be submitted is provided in Appendix A to this report.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 16

SCOPE AND PHASED (Part 1a) and suppliers (Part 1b) Part 2 of the commitment
APPROACH is given in figure 5 below. The focuses on the impact of a
data collected align with the company taking action in both its
The initial scope of the requirements of the CDP Water own facilities and supply chain.
commitment will be a company’s Security Questionnaire; Appendix A set of metrics will be developed
own facilities only and then B of this report links the data to measure impact on the three
expand to suppliers. The data to points to the relevant questions aspects of climate, freshwater
be collected for own facilities with the CDP questionnaire. biodiversity and water security
through the Wastewater Impact
Protocol – introduced below.

Figure 5: Data to be collected for Wastewater Zero Commitment

Part 1a Part 1b Part 2

OWN FACILITIES SUPPLIERS IMPACT

Commitment scope is for own Commitment scope is Commitment metrics
facilities only expanded to include tier expanded to include impact
one suppliers footprints
Data
Data Data
• % wastewater treated
(to secondary level) • # fines/ penalties/ • Climate
enforcement orders
• # fines/ penalties/ • Freshwater biodiversity*
issued to suppliers
enforcement orders
• Water security*
• % suppliers reusing or
• % reused & recycled water
recycling water * Currently under development
(of total used water)
as part of the Wastewater
• % suppliers with validated
Impact Protocol.
climate goals aligned with
net-zero

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 17

An indicative approach and timeline to move from own facilities to suppliers and then calculation of impact is
given in figure 6 below:
Figure 6: An indicative timeline to make commitments for supply chain and impact
Calculate wastewater footprint

>75% operations/ 50% operations/ <25% operations/

<25% supply chain 50% supply chain >75% supply chain

Part 1a Part 1a Part 1a

Not later than 12 months Not later than 18 months Not later than 24 months

Part 1b Part 1b Part 1b

Not later than 24 months Not later than 30 months Not later than 36 months

Part 2 Part 2 Part 2

0 12 24 36 48 0 12 24 36 48 0 12 24 36 48
Months Months Months

*The wastewater footprint is the quantity of wastewater generated from the production of goods and the provision
of services. It consists of two components: (1) Direct footprint: wastewater generated in direct operations – e.g., for
producing/manufacturing and supporting activities. (2) Indirect footprint: wastewater generated in the producer’s
supply chain.

For example: If a company Similarly, if a company has more This timeline considers that
has more than 75% of their than 75% of their wastewater the greater the footprint in the
wastewater footprint in their own footprint in their supply chain, supply chain, the more time
operations then it should: then it should: will be required for making the
commitment.
• make the supplier commitment • make the supplier commitment
no later than 12 months after no later than 24 months after Impact measurement
signing the commitment signing the commitment
Measurement of impact as
• make the commitment for • make the commitment for indicated in part 2 of the
Impact no later than 24 months Impact no later than 36 months commitment will be based on
after signing the commitment after signing the commitment the outcomes of the Wastewater
Impact Assessment Tool and the
Wastewater Impact Protocol.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 18

SUPPORTING TOOLS The second phase will support Wastewater Impact Protocol
comparison of scenarios that
Two tools will be made available include modifications of the The Protocol intends to develop
to companies who commit to facility wastewater management a standardized approach
Wastewater Zero, which will guide and the engagement with for measuring the impacts
and support their actions (see local basin stakeholders using of wastewater on climate,
figure 7): site specific data and local biodiversity and water security.
watershed data. Three sets of independent
Wastewater Impact metrics will be developed
Assessment Tool (WIAT) The WIAT will be used for the for calculation of impact as
assessment of impacts on mentioned in part 2 of the
The tool aims to provide high-
climate, biodiversity and water commitment. The metrics will
level impact assessments on
security for the calculation be used to calculate impact of
climate, biodiversity and water
of impact in part 2 of the action in facilities and supply
security for industrial water
commitment as referred to in chain as well as to monitor
users and their suppliers. The
the Scope & Phased approach progress on Wastewater Zero.
tool will be developed in two
section of this guidance
phases. The first phase will allow Both the Protocol and WIAT are
document. The tool will also
users to visualize the impacts under development and the first
allow prioritization of facilities/
of wastewater at each of its version will be available by end of
sites/suppliers within industries
facilities and suppliers worldwide 2021.
that are most impactful and
and in the local watershed
where action is most needed.
context using global datasets.

Figure 7: Convergence between the Wastewater Zero Commitment, Wastewater Impact Assessment tool and
Wastewater Impact Protocol

Wastewater Zero Commitment

Driving action
Mobilizing a critical mass of
business to take action on wastewater.
Zero Zero Low-carbon
pollution freshwater treatment The commitment is at the corporate level.

Measuring impact
Wastewater Determining a common approach
Impact Protocol to assessing impact.
The Protocol is for all business.

Directing action
Biodiversity Water Security Climate
Prioritizing where and how to take
action that has the most impact.
The tool is for the site level.

Wastewater Impact Assessment Tool

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 19

 PROCEDURE FOR COMMITMENT
The procedure for commitment is demonstrated in the flowchart (figure 8) below.

Figure 8: Procedure for Wastewater Zero Commitment

c
Fill out the commitment
t form online & set targets

t Italic
for operations

Within 7 working days

Receipt of
Welcome Pack

Refer to figure 6 for timeline.

Within 30 days Set commitment targets Set commitment targets

of signing the
& timeline for supply chain & timeline for impact
commitment
Within 30 days of
signing the commitment

Review of targets for Review of targets for Review of targets for

operations by WBCSD supply chain by WBCSD impact by WBCSD

Within 10 days of review of targets Within 10 days of review of targets

Announce the commitment/ details to reflect on WBCSD website

Within 60 days of setting the targets Within 60 days of setting the targets

Report baseline data through website

Report progress to CDP (annually)

Feedback on progress by WBCSD

Within 30 days of receiving feedback Within 30 days of receiving feedback

Opportunity to revise targets

Target achieved for Target achieved for Target achieved for

operations supply chain Impact

Develop case studies

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 20

Take the commitment Companies are expected to set of signing the commitment/
initial targets for own facilities/ setting the targets. This vetting
Companies that wish to commit operations during submission is to maintain the integrity of the
to Wastewater Zero should of the application form. The commitment and to confirm that
submit an online application form commitments for supply chain the signatory has ensured that
available on the Wastewater Zero and Impact evaluation phase the targets are:
website. The commitment should should be made as per the
be signed by a representative in description provided in the Scope • ambitious to drive meaningful
a position to commit on behalf & Phased approach section. action and impact;
of the company to achieve
Wastewater Zero by 2030 or Each signatory will receive a • achievable to be inclusive
sooner. ‘Welcome Pack’ consisting of the for frontrunners and less
commitment Guidance document advanced companies
It should be noted that the and Communication Guidelines (particularly considering supply
commitment will be made at within seven days of submitting chain SMEs);
the business level and not at their online application. The • robust - based on best
the group level. For example: Welcome Pack will guide the available science.
A group may have various signatory on next steps and
businesses represented like elaborate on other requirements WBCSD reserves the right to
textiles, chemicals, food etc. related to the commitment. reject the initial targets and
each of these businesses will request company to rethink/
make individual commitments Review of targets resubmit targets based on mutual
since their wastewater footprint discussions.
within operations and supply WBCSD will review the initial
chain will vary, requiring different targets for own facilities/ Refer to the section on Ambitious
wastewater targets. operations, for suppliers, for and Realistic Targets for more
Impact phase within 30 days information.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 21

Announce the commitment the targets on an annual basis Non-public responses:
to CDP – during their annual
Once the targets and timeline are reporting period from mid-April • Shared with the investors and/
set, the signatory may announce to the end of July. In addition, or customers requesting your
the commitment to ‘Wastewater it is recommended to disclose response
Zero’ through its various social data and progress reported
media channels. Communication • Not made available on the CDP
through the company’s’ annual
guidelines shared with the website
report, sustainability report and
welcome pack will outline how company’s website. • Shared with scoring partners
to communicate the for the purposes of scoring
commitment and use the Note: Signatories are encouraged
your response
Wastewater Zero logo. to make their CDP response
public by choosing ‘Make • Data only published in CDP
The commitment by the signatory responses Public’ option while reports if anonymized
will also be reflected on the submitting data to CDP.
Wastewater Zero website within Companies not reporting to CDP
10 days of setting the targets. As per CDP, public and non-
public responses are defined SMEs not already reporting to
Reporting as follows: CDP are advised to complete the
minimum version of the water
The signatory should report Public responses: security questionnaire available
baseline data on operations/ on the CDP website. Companies
supply chain/impact within • Shared with the investors and/
are eligible to complete the
60 days of setting the targets or customers requesting your
minimum version of the CDP
through the ‘Report baseline’ form response
questionnaire if their annual
on the Wastewater Zero website.
• Made available via the CDP revenue is less than EUR/USD
The reporting of progress against website $250 million.
Wastewater Zero Commitments
• Shared with scoring partners Companies with an annual
will be through the CDP’s water
for the purposes of scoring revenue of more than EUR/
security questionnaire which is
your response USD $250 million are strongly
already a well-established, highly recommended to report through
credible system for corporate • Response/information the full version of CDP’s water
reporting and validation. The published by CDP or third security questionnaire.
signatory should report data and parties in reports
monitor progress on reaching

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 22

Progress on Commitment-use Setting new / different targets the signatory shall develop
of CDP data / not making the commitment case studies to share best
anymore for acheivement of practices and experience
WBCSD will use CDP data to net zero of implementation of the
provide annual feedback on commitment with other
progress of commitment to Signatories will have the option signatories and potential
signatories based on the data to revise their targets within 30 signatories.
reported to CDP. The feedback days of feedback received from
will enable each company to WBCSD. The signatory could set COMMITMENT WEBSITE
understand the progress of new targets/ different targets or AND STATISTICS
commitment and re-plan strategy altogether choose not to be a
to achieve targets or adjust part of the commitment anymore. The details of the commitment
targets as required. Companies who wish to opt related to new signatories
out will be required to submit will be made available on the
Please note: If a company a courtesy notice with a brief Wastewater Zero website. The
chooses to provide ‘private’ or statement of their reason for logos of the signatories will be
‘non-public responses’ while doing so through the Revision displayed on the website along
submitting data to CDP, then of Targets form available on the with other statistics related to
WBCSD will not be able to provide Wastewater Zero website. the commitment like sectors and
annual feedback on progress of geographies represented and
commitment. Hence signatories Development of case study progress made against targets.
are encouraged to provide ‘public’ The statistics related to progress
responses. After stated Wastewater
on commitment will be updated
Zero targets have been met,
on the website annually.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 23

4 Explanatory notes

Wastewater
Wastewater Zero
Zero Commitment:
Commitment: Guidance
Guidance document
document 24
24
 4 Explanatory notes
SCOPE OF THE Point/non-point sources of Climate mitigation and
COMMITMENT pollution and surface water/ adaptation
groundwater/stormwater
Health and social impact of Both treated and untreated
wastewater The commitment exclusively wastewater are sources of GHG
focuses on wastewater emissions. Methane emissions
The commitment acknowledges generated from industrial from untreated or partially
the fact that improper wastewater operations. The scope includes all treated wastewater (industrial
management significantly the point sources of wastewater and domestic) accounts for an
impacts public health, livelihoods (generated from operations as estimated 4.5% of global non-
and other social aspects. well as effluent from treatment carbon dioxide emissions.23 With
For example, pollutants from plants) and non-point sources more than 80% of all wastewater
wastewater can find their way of wastewater (generated from released to the environment
into municipal water supplies, operational areas of the industry going untreated, treating
recreational waters and the food such as drainage from mining, organic matter prior to release
chain posing significant human housed livestock farming, oil and will significantly reduce GHG
health risks. The World Health gas etc.) and excludes non-point emissions. Wastewater treatment
Organization (WHO) and Food sources like precipitation runoff produces carbon dioxide,
and Agriculture Organization from non-operational areas etc. methane and nitrous oxide during
of the United Nations (FAO) It considers reducing pollution biological treatment processes.
estimate that 10% of the world’s to surface water, groundwater Carbon dioxide is also emitted as
population relies on food grown and stormwater by efficient part of the energy requirement
with contaminated wastewater.22 collection and treatment of for wastewater treatment
This can lead to build-up of industrial wastewater (including processes. The scope of the
heavy metals in soil, plants, food drainage from mining, intensive commitment considers efficient
chain and ultimately in human livestock farming, oil and gas etc.) treatment of wastewater using
beings. Thus, pollution should as well as reducing dependence low carbon processes to reduce
be prevented and reduced at on freshwater (withdrawal from the emissions from untreated
source to protect public health groundwater, surface water and wastewater and emissions from
and environment in a cost- harvested rainwater) by optimum energy requirement for treatment
effective way. The social impacts utilization of treated wastewater process. Hence it primarily
of industrial wastewater can be (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, focuses on climate mitigation
difficult to disaggregate and replenish). Hence groundwater measures. Although improving
attribute. Therefore, the scope and stormwater are closely wastewater management
of this commitment is limited to related to the commitment will secure water supplies for
impacts of wastewater on climate, although the indicators collect domestic, agricultural and
biodiversity and water security. information related to wastewater industrial use through increased
The social impact of wastewater only. water reuse and recycling. This
will be explored as part of the will improve water security for
Wastewater Impact Protocol for all users/environment and build
potential further inclusion in the basin resilience to water resource
commitment at later stages. variability/unpredictability and
potentially more frequent/intense
dry periods, thereby enhancing
climate adaptation measures.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 25

LOCAL REGULATIONS and wastewater reuse in industry Zero Pollution: The target for
and agriculture. In the absence treating all wastewater should
The commitment requires of comprehensive water quality/ always be 100% in every case.
wastewater effluent to meet effluent regulations, companies The only variable will be the
or exceed relevant regulatory/ should aim for at least secondary timeframe for achievement
industry requirements. Water treatment standards.24 The onus where companies can choose to
quality or effluent regulations is on companies to define the achieve the target ahead of the
define the maximum acceptable level of treatment required to deadline target of 2030.
limit of specific biological, ensure no discharge of hazardous
chemical and physical properties substances into the environment. Zero Freshwater: The
of effluent or wastewater. commitments on reuse and
Standards for ambient water An example of an industry recycling targets may vary as it
quality are commonly designated standard is the Zero Discharge is sector and geography driven.
according to the intended use of of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Different sectors will have
the water resource (e.g., drinking Wastewater Guidelines that different possibilities, drivers
water, fishing water, spawning standardize wastewater testing and challenges to increase
grounds). In many countries, requirements in the global the proportion of water that is
no comprehensive policy and apparel, textile and footwear reused and recycled. There are
legislation exists for water supply chain and define the no global benchmarks currently
pollution and there is a need to standard for wastewater available for developing sector-
develop a framework of defined discharge and sludge quality.25 specific and context-based
policies, plans and regulations. targets at present. The ambition
The commitment recognizes that AMBITIOUS AND should be defined in relation
improved policy and regulatory REALISTIC TARGETS to the company’s existing
frameworks are required for baseline or scenario analysis.
The commitment assumes that
control and elimination of The commitment encourages
signatories would set ambitious
pollution. Also, the policy ask reuse and recycling that leads to
and achievable targets for their
from the Wastewater Zero report a reduction in withdrawals from
operations as well as for their
highlights the need for clear freshwater sources, irrespective
supply chains. WBCSD will
guidelines, with appropriate of the location of the industry in
engage in active dialogue with
thresholds and limits based on water stressed or water abundant
signatories to develop targets
the best available science, for watershed.
that are ambitious and realistic.
industrial effluent discharges

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 26

The commitment recognizes Figure 9: Circular water management26
that reusing and recycling is
only a part of a company’s total
water use. However, reusing and
recycling should lead to reducing
REDUCE
dependencies on freshwater use. Reduce water losses
The commitment recognizes by boosting water
that reusing and recycling are efficiency
just two approaches within a
portfolio of options to reduce
dependencies on freshwater REUSE
(as shown in figure 9). RECOVER Reuse water that
Recover resources needs minimal or no
Low-carbon treatment: The from wastewater and treatment for the
commitment intends to use put them to use Circular water same or different
processes
corporate, science-based management
GHG reduction commitments
as a proxy for ensuring that
wastewater treatment processes
are planned and operated in a
way that supports the attainment
RESTORE
of such commitments. RECYCLE
Return water to
Recycle resources
source at the same
Companies signing up to the and wastewater
or better quality
commitment actively collaborate
with their supply chains to
develop ambitious but realistic
targets under the commitment.

WASTEWATER
TREATMENT LEVELS
(SECONDARY/TERTIARY An appendix that provides further exploitation of freshwater
TREATMENT) details on primary, secondary and resources and preservation
tertiary treatment technologies of aquatic environment. Two
The commitment requires will be developed later in the year. challenges are linked to this
wastewater to be treated strategy: requirement of energy
to achieve local regulatory/ LOW CARBON for treatment, and disposal of
industry requirements and if TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS residual solids. This is a rapidly
they are not available then up AND ZERO LIQUID evolving space with lot of
to at least secondary standards DISCHARGE (ZLD) research being done on different
It understands that secondary technologies for addressing
standards are not always ZLD is an ambitious wastewater the challenges. An appendix to
sufficient for treating industrial management strategy to share examples of technologies
wastewater to an acceptable reduce the risk of environmental which are less energy intensive
level for specific substances but pollution associated with and have a low carbon footprint
is taken as a good general level wastewater discharge which for commitments made by ZLD
of treatment that most industries maximizes the efficiency companies will be developed
can meet. of water usage, to prevent later in the year.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 27

GLOSSARY Agency (EPA), the EU capturing fugitive emissions
Water Framework Directive thereby substantially reducing
• Hazardous substances: A have also defined priority greenhouse gas emissions.
hazardous substance is any hazardous substances that
substance that has one or require progressive reduction • Small and Medium
more inherent hazardous or phasing out of these Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs
property. This includes substances. are defined as companies
flammability, explosiveness, with annual revenue of less
toxicity, and the ability to • Incidents reported/ than EUR/US$250 million (to
oxidize. Hazardous substances Violations: Penalties, fines meet the eligibility criteria
will often be regulated by and/or enforcement orders of minimum version of CDP
local l legislations and / or for breaches of abstraction questionnaire)
standards defined for industry. licenses, discharge consents
For the Wastewater Zero or other water and wastewater • Wastewater footprint:
Initiative, the definition of related regulations in the The quantity of wastewater
hazardous substances under reporting year. generated from the production
development, until then for of goods and provision of
more details on hazardous • Low-carbon processes: services. It consists of two
substances relevant to your Treatment processes components: Direct footprint-
industry the signatory should that focus on switching wastewater generated in direct
refer to local jurisdiction conventional processes to operations e.g., for producing/
or industry requirements. lower energy alternatives, manufacturing and supporting
Several jurisdictions like the improving operational energy activities and Indirect footprint-
US Environmental Protection efficiency, optimizing treatment wastewater generated in the
processes, biogas valorization, producer’s supply chain.

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 28

Endnotes
1
ipbes. (2019). The Global 6
CDP. (2019). Cleaning up their 12
Alliance for Water Stewardship.
Assessment Report on act. CDP Global. Retrieved from: (2017). The AWS International
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Cleaning up their act - CDP Water Stewardship Standard.
Services. ipbes.Retrieved from: Retrieved from: The AWS
ipbes_global_assessment_
7
World Business Council for International Water Stewardship
report_summary_for_ Sustainable Development. Standard: https://a4ws.org/the-
policymakers_en.pdf (2020). Wastewater Zero: A aws-standard-2-0/
call to action for business to
2
The United Nations. (2018). raise ambition for SDG 6.3. 13
UN Global Compact CEO Water
Sustainable Development World Business Council for Mandate, Pacific Institute,
Goal 6 Synthesis Report 2018 Sustainable Development. CDP, The Nature Conservancy,
on Water and Sanitation. The Retrieved from: Wastewater World Resources Institute,
United Nations.Retrieved Zero - WBCSD Publications WWF, UNEPDHI Partnership
from: SDG 6 Synthesis Report Centre for Water and
2018 on Water and Sanitation
8
CDP. (2020). A wave of change: Environment. (2019). Setting
Archives | UN-Water (unwater. The role of companies in Site Water Targets Informed By
org) building a water-secure world. Catchment Context: A Guide
CDP Global. Retrieved from: For Companies . UN Global
3
UN-Water (2017). The CDP Global Water Report 2020 Compact CEO Water Mandate,
United Nations World Water Pacific Institute, CDP, The
Development Report-
9
Science Based Targets.
Nature Conservancy, World
Wastewater The Untapped (2021). SBTi Progress Report
Resources Institute, WWF,
Resource . the United Nations 2020 : From Ambition to
UNEPDHI Partnership Centre
Educational, Scientific Impact. Science Based
for Water and Environment.
and Cultural Organization. Targets. Retrieved from:
Retrieved from: Guide to Setting
Retrieved from: UN World Water https://sciencebasedtargets.
Site Water Targets Informed
Development Report 2017 | UN- org/resources/files/
by Catchment Context
Water (unwater.org) SBTiProgressReport2020.pdf
(ceowatermandate.org)
4
The World Bank. (2019).
10
Science Based Targets 14
TCFD. (2021). Task Force on
Quality Unknown-The Invisible Network. (2020). Science Based
Climate-related Financial
Water Crisis. The World Bank Targets Network. Retrieved
Disclosures. Retrieved from
Group. Retrieved from: https:// from Science Based Targets
Climate Disclosure Standards
openknowledge.worldbank.org/ Network: Global Common
Board: https://www.cdsb.net/
handle/10986/32245 Alliance. Retrieved from: https://
what-we-do/task-force-climate-
sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.
related-financial-disclosures
5
World Resource Institute. org/
(2020). Achieving Abundance 15
CDP. (2021). Water- CDP.
: Understanding the Cost of a
11
SBTs for Nature are expected
Retrieved from Water-CDP:
Sustainable Water Future. World to be finalized at the end
https://www.cdp.net/en/water
Resource Institute. Retrieved of 2022. Science Based
from: Achieving Abundance: Targets Network. (2020). 16
Global Reporting Initiative.
Understanding the Cost of Science Based Targets for (2018). GRI 303: Water
a Sustainable Water Future | Nature : Initial Guidance and Effluents 2018. Global
World Resources Institute (wri. for Business . Science Reporting Initiative. Retrieved
org) Based Targets Network. from: gri-303-water-
Retrieved from: SBTN-initial- and-effluents-2018.pdf
guidance-for-business.pdf (globalreporting.org)
(sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.
org)

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 29

17
TCFD. (2021). Task Force on 22
World Health Organization. 25
ZDHC. (2021). Brands to Zero.
Climate-related Financial (2006). Guidelines for the safe Retrieved from Brands to Zero:
Disclosures. Retrieved from use of wastewater, excreta and https://www.roadmaptozero.
Climate Disclosure Standards greywater - Volume 4. World com/landingpage/brands-to-
Board: https://www.cdsb.net/ Health Organization. Retrieved zero
what-we-do/task-force-climate- from: WHO | Guidelines for the
related-financial-disclosures safe use of wastewater, excreta
26
World Business Council for
and greywater - Volume 4 Sustainable Development.
18
Taskforce on Nature-related (2017). Business guide to
Financial Disclosures (TNFD). 23
World Business Council for circular water management:
(2021). Taskforce on Nature- Sustainable Development. spotlight on reduce, reuse and
related Financial Disclosures (2020). Wastewater Zero: A recycle. World Business Council
(TNFD)-How it works. Retrieved call to action for business to for Sustainable Development.
from Taskforce on Nature- raise ambition for SDG 6.3. Retrieved from: Business guide
related Financial Disclosures World Business Council for to circular water management
(TNFD): https://tnfd.info/how-it- Sustainable Development. (wbcsd.org)
works/ Retrieved from: Wastewater
Zero - WBCSD Publications
19
TNFD is currently under
development, therefore its 24
Secondary Treatment:
scope and content are not yet Treatment (following Primary
finalized. Wastewater Treatment)
involving the biological process
20
UN Water . (2020). SDG 6 of reducing suspended,
Monitoring. Retrieved from colloidal, and dissolved organic
Monitoring SDG6 on water matter in effluent from primary
and sanitation: https://www. treatment systems and which
sdg6monitoring.org/activities/ generally removes 80 to 95
tag/63/ percent of the Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (BOD) and
21
UN Water. (2017). Integrated
suspended matter. Secondary
Monitoring Guide for
wastewater treatment may
Sustainable Development Goal
be accomplished by aerobic,
6 on Water and Sanitation:
anaerobic, coupled anaerobic-
Targets and global indicators.
aerobic or chemical -physical
UN Water. Retrieved from:
methods. Activated sludge
https://www.unwater.org/app/
and trickling filters are two
uploads/2017/10/G2_Targets-
of the most common means
and-global-indicators_
of secondary treatment.
Version-2017-07-14.pdf
Disinfection is the final stage
of secondary treatment (FAO,
1992), (AIChE, n.d.).

Wastewater Zero Commitment: Guidance document 30

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ABOUT WBCSD
This work was coordinated by WBCSD is a global, CEO-led
Tom Williams and Swapna Patil organization of over 200 leading
from WBCSD. A consultation businesses working together
group consisting of the following to accelerate the transition to a
provided inputs and support in sustainable world. We help make
development of the commitment: our member companies more

Nadja Franssen, Actiam successful and sustainable

by focusing on the maximum
Deeksha Vats, Aditya Birla Group positive impact for shareholders,
the environment and societies.
Sashi Shetty, Aditya Birla Group
Our member companies come
Catherine Moncrieff, CDP from all business sectors and all
major economies, representing a
Matt Inbush, International Paper combined revenue of more than
USD $8.5 trillion and 19 million
Gloria Fontana, LafargeHolcim
employees. Our global network
Amy Blackwell, Sainsbury’s of almost 70 national business
councils gives our members
Andreas Steiner, SDC unparalleled reach across the
globe. Since 1995, WBCSD has
Graham Alabaster, UN-Habitat been uniquely positioned to
Published on 4 June 2021 work with member companies
along and across value chains
DISCLAIMER to deliver impactful business
solutions to the most challenging
This report has been developed sustainability issues. Together, we
in the name of WBCSD. Like are the leading voice of business
other WBCSD publications, it is for sustainability: united by our
the result of a collaborative effort vision of a world where more than
by members of the secretariat 9 billion people are all living well
and senior executives from and within the boundaries of our
member companies. A wide planet, by 2050.
range of members reviewed
drafts, thereby ensuring that the Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn
document broadly represents
www.wbcsd.org
the perspective of the WBCSD
membership. Input and feedback COPYRIGHT
from stakeholders listed above
was incorporated in a balanced Copyright © WBCSD, June 2021.
way. This does not mean,
however, that every member
company or stakeholder agrees
with every word.

Wastewater
Wastewater Zero
Zero Commitment:
Commitment: Guidance
Guidance document
document 31
31
World Business Council
for Sustainable Development

Geneva, Beijing, Delhi, London, New York, Singapore

www.wbcsd.org