#Japan #Tokyo #Yachiyo Engineering #Water Stewardship #AWS Standard

AWS Standard Version 3.0: Japanese Translation Released

The latest version of the International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) has been translated into Japanese. This initiative, led by Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. and in collaboration with other major organizations like Suntory Holdings, MS&AD InterRisk Research & Consulting, and Kurita Water Industries, aims at offering a comprehensive framework for water management in Japan. The translation was reviewed to ensure it accurately reflects the intent and details of the original document released by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

Importance of Water Stewardship

Water is a vital resource that sustains all life on Earth. However, global water risks such as drought, flooding, and pollution are becoming increasingly severe. A report from the United Nations University highlighted a burgeoning global crisis termed “water bankruptcy,” which points to the excessive consumption of renewable water resources. All business activities, from production to infrastructure, depend on freshwater ecosystems and significantly impact them. Moreover, water issues are deeply intertwined with global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change, necessitating integrated solutions.

In response to these challenges, companies are urged to adopt water stewardship practices that extend beyond merely conserving water within their factories. Engaging with various stakeholders and participating in the preservation of the water environment at the catchment level has become an international expectation.

About the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)

The AWS was established in 2009 by key water-related organizations, including UN bodies, international NGOs, and research institutions. It is a global network comprising businesses, civil society, and public entities aimed at addressing international water issues and establishing reliable global standards for responsible water stewardship.

AWS envisions a world where water resources are sustainably secured, allowing people, cultures, businesses, and nature to thrive together now and in the future.

Overview of the AWS Standard

The AWS Standard offers a globally applicable framework for water users to understand their water usage and its impacts on the surrounding environment and communities. This framework is scalable and suitable for various sectors. The standard comprises five iterative steps to encourage continuous improvement:

1. Gathering Information and Understanding
2. Commitment and Planning
3. Implementation
4. Evaluation
5. Communication and Disclosure

By implementing this standard, organizations are encouraged to achieve five key outcomes:

• - Effective water governance
• - Sustainable water balance
• - Good water quality
• - Healthy freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity
• - Provision of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) for all

There are three certification levels: Core, Gold, and Platinum, which recognize varying degrees of compliance and excellence.

Future Efforts by Yachiyo Engineering

Yachiyo Engineering aims to promote the domestic adoption of the AWS Standard and other international frameworks. They are dedicated to supporting companies in their journey towards sustainable water resource management and achieving nature-positive goals. Yoshida Hiroto, Manager of the Sustainability Services Department at Yachiyo Engineering, emphasizes the importance of adopting water stewardship not just within operational boundaries but across the entire watershed area. The newly translated AWS document is expected to act as a significant step for many Japanese companies towards sustainable water management and collaborative efforts.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reach out to:
Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. Sustainability Navi
Phone: 03-5822-6800 | Email: [email protected]

For more details on their sustainability efforts, visit Sustainability Navi. Their key focus areas include climate change, water risk, biodiversity, and resource circulation, offering support for research, policy formulation, and stakeholder collaboration tailored to each organization's needs.