GB/T 24002.2-2026Environmental management systems - Guidelines for using GB/T 24001 to address environment aspects and conditions within an environmental topic area - Part 2: Water (English PDF)

0.1 Background

Water is a vital element supporting all life systems on Earth, and is essential for human life and well-being. Ecosystems and related organisms...

Diversity (considered natural capital) can only thrive if it is properly protected, resilient, and if economic and social activities respect the appropriate planetary boundaries.

Only under the premise of protecting water resources can their multiple values be realized and their natural services provided. Water resource protection is an important component of sustainable development.

Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial, especially SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Under Water).

(and production), SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (terrestrial life).

Many organizations use the GB/T 24001 general framework to manage their interactions with the environment. GB/T 24002 helps those who wish to...

For organizations applying GB/T 24001 to a more focused range of environmental factors or combinations of specific environmental factors and conditions, specific requirements are provided.

The guidelines and examples for the subject matter. GB/T 24002 is proposed to consist of two parts.

--Part 1: General Rules. The purpose is to provide organizations with systematic guidelines based on GB/T 24001 for use in one or more environmental subject areas.

Provides general guidelines for the comprehensive management of environmental factors or for responding to changing environmental conditions.

--Part 2: Water. The purpose is to provide organizations with a framework for managing water-related environmental aspects and impacts based on GB/T 24001, and to address [the following issues].

It provides a general guide to the environmental conditions and related risks and opportunities.

This document is Part 2 of GB/T 24002.

This document focuses on the application of the GB/T 24001 framework to manage water-related environmental factors and impacts, respond to environmental conditions, and [other aspects].

This document provides guidance and examples of water-related environmental conditions and dependence on water resources that can impact organizations. It is helpful for organizations...

Planning for environmental impact, water dependence, and vulnerability throughout the lifecycle of its sites, watersheds, and products and services.

Measures. This includes strategic planning and measures taken in connection with the following.

--Protect aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem services, as well as related ecosystems (such as forests) that contribute to water balance.

--Ensure the availability of water supply and water resources;

--Minimize water use and reduce water consumption;

--Protect and improve water quality;

--Adapting to and responding to water-related environmental conditions, such as sea-level rise, changes in precipitation patterns, or gradual changes in water availability and quality.

change;

This document is consistent with other standards concerning the sustainable use and protection of water. This document is based on GB/T 24002.1, and...

It follows the same method and order of terms as GB/T 24001, but does not cover all sub-terms.

0.2 Risk-based approach

This document covers water-related environmental aspects, impacts, status, and associated risks and opportunities, encompassing the organization's products and services.

The entire lifecycle of the service (where applicable). This document helps organizations address.

--The actual and potential adverse or beneficial impacts of the organization's activities or its supply chain on water and aquatic ecosystems;

--The actual and potential impacts on the organization itself, including the risks and opportunities associated with water resource dependence.

The potential impact on an organization may include both immediate and long-term real threats (e.g., flooding of the organization's location or disruption of the organization's water supply system).

Extreme events such as pollution accumulation), transitional risks and opportunities related to changes in regulations, technology, markets, or organizational reputation, and the life cycle an opportunity to contribute to sustainable development from a long-term perspective.

Water-related risks and opportunities are influenced by a variety of environmental factors (e.g., climate, geography, ecology, socioeconomics, organization's water footprint, applicable...).

The impact of compliance obligations includes.

--The organization faces vulnerabilities to water scarcity, water quality, ecosystem service changes, floods, and climate change;

--The condition or quality of the water bodies or aquatic ecosystems that the organization has affected, can affect, or depends on;

--Conflicts over water use or secure access to water resources are intensifying in specific areas;

--The condition of the infrastructure, including water supply systems, water distribution systems, and wastewater treatment.

0.3 Holistic Approach to Water Management

GB/T 24001 Environmental Management System requires organizations to assess their activities, products, and services to determine significant environmental impacts of the organization.

The environmental conditions and the associated risks and opportunities need to be addressed. This process requires a life-cycle perspective as part of the comprehensive assessment team.

Organizations planning to prioritize water in their environmental management efforts need to recognize the interrelationships between water and other environmental media and their ecosystems.

Relationships. Organizations need to be aware that the measures they plan and implement to improve water quality or water availability may have impacts on other environmental media such as soil and air.

This can negatively impact the environment or terrestrial ecosystems. For example, aeration tanks or ponds used for wastewater treatment may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

Organic compounds, and taking measures to enhance the biodegradability of trichloroethylene in contaminated groundwater, may lead to the formation of compounds such as chlorine.

Intermediate products or metabolites like ethylene pose a greater threat to ecosystems and humans. To avoid these unintended consequences...

As a result, this document encourages organizations to adopt a holistic approach when managing water.

Figure 1 shows a portion of how to fully apply the GB/T 24001 and GB/T 24002 series standards.

Figure 1.Interaction between the GB/T 24001 and GB/T 24002 series standards

0.4 Application of this document in the management of the water environment within the environmental management system Organizations can use this document to help determine how to best address the sustainable use and protection of water resources within their environmental management systems.

The problem may involve.

--Specific commitments in the organization's environmental policy, such as those related to water pollution control, water use efficiency, aquatic ecosystems and related biodiversity.

Biodiversity conservation or sustainable use of marine ecosystem services;

--One or more important environmental factors related to water use, water protection, water pollution, aquatic ecosystems and species, and ecosystem services.

Factors or compliance obligations;

--Comply with applicable laws and permits;

--Commitments related to organizational social responsibility;

--Specific risks and opportunities related to water-related environmental conditions or water dependence that need to be addressed.

0.5 Case Study

Case studies illustrating the relevant risks and opportunities that need to be addressed. All organizations involved in the cases are fictional, intended to provide perspectives from different backgrounds.

Examples of clear examples include different industry sectors with known water-related environmental factors and impacts, as well as different geographical locations and environmental conditions.

These cases, with their varying backgrounds and perspectives, are intended to illustrate how this document should be applied, and are not intended for application of GB/T 24001 or this document.

The model or template.

The first case study is of a paper mill, which forms part of the main body of this document. Relevant examples are provided in each clause (as appropriate).

(For reference only). Appendices A through C provide three other case studies. a water supply company, a dairy cooperative, and a chemical company.

Appendix D clarifies the usage of some concepts and terms in this document to facilitate user understanding.

0.6 Revenue

The benefits of applying this document include.

--Support the fulfillment of compliance obligations related to water intake, water use, water quality, and public policy;

--Achieve environmental goals, improve environmental performance and ecosystem resilience by managing water-related environmental aspects;

--Protect the environment by preventing or reducing adverse impacts on water and ecosystems;

--Prevent and mitigate water-related operational risks, and leverage opportunities within the organization's operations and supply chain to address the changing environment.

situation;

--Align the environmental management system with the organization's strategic direction, for example, by supporting and protecting water resources sustainably.

Specific environmental policies or organizational commitments;

--Support water-related sustainable development goals;

--Promote compliance with international water-related agreements and conventions and the transition to a circular economy (reducing water consumption, water substitution, and recycling) use).

"Operation license".

Environmental management systems are applied in environmental-related fields.

GB/T 24001 Managing Environmental Factors and Responding to Environmental Issues Condition Guide Part 2: Water