Water responsibility as corporate due diligence?

The global water supply is facing an increasing threat from industrialisation, globalisation and population growth. Even though Germany imports most of its water supply through global value chains, companies often direct their attention solely towards water consumption and pollution at their own production facilities.

The project "Water responsibility as corporate due diligence?" is funded by the Stiftung Zukunftserbe and investigates how the negative impacts of global supply chains on water resources can be addressed through corporate due diligence.

To answer the research question, three central topics are analysed: the regulatory framework; the operational implementation of water-related due diligence and good practices in water management in supply chains.

As part of the qualitative study, a literature review and semi-structured expert interviews are conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic.

The project focuses on the following questions: How do companies identify and address the challenges and risks related to water consumption and water pollution in their supply chains? What due diligence obligations do they comply with?

The findings are used to derive recommendations for action and further research needs for water management in supply chains. The results of the project support companies and political actors in designing and implementing water-related due diligence obligations.