BBVA Publishes Its Organizational Water Footprint for the First Time

According to data published in the 2025 Annual Report within the Group’s Non-Financial Information Statement, approximately one-quarter comes from the direct water footprint, while the indirect water footprint accounts for more than 6.5 million m3 equivalent. The direct footprint is the area with the greatest potential for action, where the focus is on reducing water consumed to supply the different buildings.

The bank used the ISO 14046 methodology for the calculation. This international standard evaluates not only the volume of water consumed, but also the possible environmental impacts from this consumption. To do so, it applies water availability and quality factors. In this regard, BBVA quantifies its direct footprint derived from the organization’s various facilities (such as buildings, branches and data centers, known as the consumptive footprint) and the wastewater generated in them and discharged into the sewer system (degradative footprint). This is added to the indirect footprint associated with the water needed to produce different supply chain products used for bank activities (such as the production of electricity, fuel and consumables, and waste use and treatment), along with the water degradation associated with the production of these processes and waste treatment.

To manage and calculate its water footprint, BBVA received support from a leading technical expert in this subject, Veolia, which has made it possible to reinforce the methodological solidity of the analysis. This methodology and the calculation process were also verified by an independent third party (DNV).

“Managing our water footprint is now also part of our direct impact strategy, along with our carbon footprint. This holistic vision is essential; not only does it provide data on our own water use and that of our operations, but it also helps us prioritize reduction and regeneration measures in the basins where we operate,” explained Desirée Granda, Head of Real Estate and Services at BBVA.

Direct impact of our water footprint

Between 2019 and 2025, BBVA reduced its total water consumption associated with its direct impact by 27 percent. In addition, the bank has reduced consumption per employee by 36 percent, surpassing the 11 percent target defined in its 2021-2025 Eco-efficiency Plan. While one employee consumed 18.99 m³ in 2019, this figure dropped to 12.15 m³ in 2025. These results illustrate the improvements in efficiency and water consumption practices, achieved by implementing measures in buildings, recycling and digitization.

A holistic approach to addressing the water challenge

According to data from the World Economic Forum (WEF), half of the global population will experience water stress by 2050, while GDP could fall by up to 10 percent if the water supply is not protected. In this context, BBVA has adopted a water footprint management model that goes beyond mere consumption of this natural resource. Instead, it’s closely aligned with the bank’s carbon footprint strategy, with which it shares certain synergies and reduction drivers included in the Global Eco-Efficiency Plan.

With the calculation of its water footprint, BBVA is expanding its direct impact strategy and addressing the water challenge through a comprehensive approach that encompasses the bank’s own management and customer support. Beyond being an environmental challenge, water has become a critical factor in competitiveness and investment, primarily for sectors such as agriculture, food and beverages, and tourism. The cost of inaction regarding water issues is five times higher than investing in efficiency solutions, according to the CDP.

BBVA’s strategy for water revolves around four pillars: calculating its water footprint, reducing consumption and other impacts, regenerating the resource through targeted projects and communicating progress transparently.

When further reductions in the bank’s own water footprint are no longer feasible, BBVA has the option of investing in projects that return the total or partial equivalent of this footprint to nature. For this water restoration phase, according to the agreement signed with Veolia, BBVA will regenerate consumed water through the acquisition of Positive Water Credits (CAPs) based on Act4Water criteria. This initiative, and its certification standard, ensures that projects to restore consumed water are executed in compliance with uniform criteria based on recognized scientific methodologies. Each credit represents 1,000 m³ of water that has been saved, regenerated or improved.

Specifically, in 2025, BBVA acquired Positive Water Credits for water restoration in accordance with the results of its direct water footprint in Spain. To this end, it will invest in Hydraulic Technical Performance (HTP) projects with the aim of improving the efficiency of a municipal distribution network in a water-scarce area and reducing network losses with data-based solutions and improve water availability in the basin.

Furthermore, building on these insights, BBVA is developing a value proposition for its customers, particularly for those in more water-intensive sectors, to support their transition toward sustainable and resilient production models.

BBVA, certified for sustainable water use

As a result of its internal water management, in 2025 BBVA became the first company to be certified as ‘Water Committed’ according to the Act4Water standard. This certification framework recognizes organizations that measure their water footprint, set reduction targets and take steps to create a positive impact on the basins where they operate.

Act4Water certifications enable companies committed to sustainable water use to report their organizational or corporate water footprint. This represents the impact of the organization and its activities on water resources, calculated on both a direct and indirect basis.