Japanese Translation of International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) Version 3.0 Released

Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Taito-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Tsutomu Takahashi, hereinafter "the Company") was responsible for reviewing the Japanese translation of the "International Water Stewardship Standard Version 3.0" (hereinafter "AWS Standard") released by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (hereinafter "AWS").

This review was conducted by Suntory Holdings Limited, MS&AD InterRisk Research & Consulting, Inc., Kurita Water Industries Ltd., and the Company, all members of JWS (Japan Water Stewardship).

The AWS Standard, released on March 22, 2026, is a framework adopted worldwide as a reliable "gold standard" for water stewardship. By utilizing this standard, Japanese companies can accurately understand their water risks and impacts, and promote specific goal setting and certification acquisition for sustainable water management.

The Company will continue to actively support companies' efforts towards sustainable water resource management and the realization of Nature Positive, through the domestic dissemination of international frameworks such as the AWS Standard and support for their implementation.

URL: https://sustainability-navi.com/20260408

## [Background] Why is Water Stewardship Important?
Water is an indispensable resource for all life on Earth, but currently, water risks such as droughts, floods, and water pollution are rapidly increasing both domestically and internationally. A United Nations University report points out that the world has entered an era of global "water bankruptcy," with renewable water resources being over-consumed. All corporate activities, including food, clothing, shelter, and infrastructure, depend on water and the freshwater ecosystems that support it, and also impact them. In recent years, it has become clear that water issues are deeply intertwined with global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change, requiring integrated problem-solving. Against this backdrop, there is a strong international demand for companies to go beyond mere "point" efforts like water saving within factories, and instead engage in "Water Stewardship" (responsible water use management) by collaborating with diverse stakeholders across entire river basins to conserve the water environment.

## What is Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)?
AWS was established in 2009 by key water-related organizations such as the United Nations, international NGOs, and research institutions, with the aim of responding to international water challenges and developing a reliable global standard for responsible water stewardship. It is a global multi-stakeholder membership network composed of businesses, civil society, and public institutions. The vision of AWS is to achieve a world where water resources are sustainably secured, and people, cultures, businesses, and nature can thrive together, now and in the future.

Reference Link: https://a4ws.org/ (AWS Official Website)