No water wastage
Every drop counts. For energy and food production, the environment and human survival. However, the amount of usable water is limited and is compromised by drought, huge water consumption, pollution and paved surfaces. Sustainable water consumption is a necessity.
What exactly we understand under health is explained in our definitions.
How does Colruyt Group keep its water footprint as small as possible?
1 Circularity of water consumption
- Avoid use: use the correct type of water for the right application. Don't use drinking water when this is not necessary.
- Reduce: use water sparingly, for example by optimising installations.
- Reuse & recycle: collect and reuse rainwater and waste water as much as possible, possibly after water purification.
- Replenish: buffer excess rainwater and allow to seep into the groundwater layer.
2 Protect water supplies
We aim to keep as much water as possible in the natural water cycle and out of the sewer system and on our sites for a minimal impact on the surface water and the underlying groundwater. We opt for permeable pavements and provide aboveground and underground systems to allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground.
3 Reduce the water footprint of our range
Agriculture is one of the biggest consumers of water, but other sectors guzzle water as well. We want to systematically reduce the water footprint of our range of products and services, while at the same time tackling ecotoxicity and eutrophication in fresh and salt water. We cooperate with producers and partners for this. For example, we are part of the SIFAV sector initiative (Sustainability Initiative Fruit and Vegetables) to contribute to a more sustainable supply chain for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Our objectives and initiatives
- Circularity of water consumption
- Protecting water supplies
- Reduce the water footprint of our range
Zero discharge of rainwater
Our aim is zero discharge of rainwater in the sewers.
Audits and standards
By 2025, 70% of our products from high-water-risk regions should fulfil a water standard.
Water for fruit and vegetables
By 2025, we will reduce water consumption for fresh fruit and vegetables to the best level (best practice) in three selected basins.