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Keep your head above water22 August 2008News of an interesting water-saving initiative recently filtered into us here at Panel & System Building, and based on the case put forth by Envirowise – a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK business practice – it could drastically change the way businesses in the UK currently use their water supply. Since 1994, Envirowise has saved businesses over £1bn by offering advice and guidance on how environmental footprints could, and perhaps should, be reduced.
In 2008, the company has unsurprisingly turned its attentions towards the ever-rising water prices. With many water companies announcing plans to increases bills between 2010 and 2015 by up to 22 per cent, there are new found urgency levels evident amongst both commercial and domestic property owners.
In an effort to help those concerned, Envirowise has introduced ‘The Rippleffect’, a free resource efficiency initiative focused on supporting companies as they strive to improve their water efficiency; helping them to save costs and become more environmentally-friendly in the process.
Envirowise believes that it is possible for a business that has not considered its water use before to make savings of up to 30 per cent on its water and effluent bills. Additionally, these impressive savings can extend up to as much as 50 per cent by investing in long-term water saving projects and water-efficient technology.
Through implementing a number of simple low and no-cost measures to improve water efficiency including fixing dripping taps and installing water-saving devices, Envirowise estimates that businesses in England and Wales could be making annual savings of up to 3.2 billion cubic metres - worth around £9.4m per day by reviewing their water usage.
The Rippleffect will actively help to achieve such savings by helping companies understand how much water they currently use, and then identifying simple ways to start saving water and money. Once this has been completed, it is then possible to measure the water and cost savings that can been made.
The results of the initiative are delivered in three stages: by data collection, developing an action plan, and implementing an action plan and measuring savings. Signing up to the programme will give businesses the opportunity to receive access to dedicated web pages that will provide detailed information at each stage. Also featured is exclusive access to an online water testing tool, dedicated water workshops for Rippleffect members which will provide support at each stage; and a certificate recognising the company’s achievements.
Mary Leonard, a director at Envirowise, says, “Water is still considered by many as a cheap and limitless resource. The reality is that costs are rising and we are using far too much of it putting pressure on existing supplies. While cost-savings may be a key driver for water conservation, companies that do so demonstrate to customers that they are adopting best environmental practice. This in itself offers a competitive advantage”.
The Rippleffect is open to businesses of any size in England. The final deadline for joining the six-month initiative is 10 September, 2008. Those interested in signing up for the free initiative can call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794 or visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/rippleffect Contact Details and Archive...Related Articles...Most Viewed Articles... |
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