Water – source of life

In Obereisenbach, we examine our use of water in the EMAS and ISO14001 audits. For progress in the supply chain, we rely on the bluesign® and the Higg index.

Water is necessary in many upstream processes

“The quality of water determines the level of both the health of human beings and that of ecosystems.” – Aruwa Bendsen, Program Manager of the Freshwater Ecosystems Unit of the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) stated in an interview with TEEB.

Water is necessary for production

Water is a significant aspect for VAUDE, because the manufacturing of VAUDE products in many upstream processes requires water and produces wastewater as well. (see "Waste and wastewater" and "Goal: reduce waste".)

This holds true for the production at the company headquarters in Tettnang, but of course, also for the manufacturing of VAUDE products, and particularly all the needed materials in the extended supply chain.

Hope for progress in the supply chain

In respect to the company headquarters in Tettnang-Obereisenbach, we consider our approach to be efficient and successful. This has already been confirmed by the annual EMAS (German) and ISO14001 Audits.

In respect to the supply chain, we are not yet satisfied with the results. However, we are sure that with the two strategic approaches bluesign® and Higg Index, we will see significant progress in the years to come.

Until now, we have not had reliable data for water consumption in the supply chain. We have no information as to how much water is returned to the supply circuit or reused and which water sources are affected in our supply chain.

GRI:

EN8

GRI:

EN9

GRI:

EN10

GRI:

DMA water

Fresh water consumption in Obereisenbach

For our company headquarters in Tettnang-Obereisenbach, on the other hand, we have exact data. In 2013, we consumed a total of 2,284 cubic meters of fresh water from the municipal water supply.

Ground water well protected

The total water supply for our Tettnang-Obereisenbach headquarters is provided by the municipal water utility. Our drinking water comes from the groundwater aquifer from the Bodnegg district (no source).

In the water protection area, rainfall amounts ensure adequate groundwater renewal. The natural cycle is not disturbed by groundwater extraction.

The groundwater is so well protected by natural means from environmental influences that it is possible to directly feed pumped water without treatment into our distribution network.

No re-use of water to date

At the company headquarters in Tettnang – Obereisenbach, water is not re-used, because water is not needed for the production process. This may be a possibility in the future for the laboratory.