New tool could help businesses in the East cut their water consumption

Reports are predicting that water is set to become an increasingly scarce and expensive resource¹ but this is has not stopped UK businesses using enough of it every year to fill 2.6 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.²  Now sustainable business experts Envirowise are warning companies that they could be pouring money down the drain.

Businesses could save thousands of pounds every year by adopting simple, low cost initiatives to reduce water consumption from Envirowise.

To help businesses introduce water saving measures Envirowise has launched a new step-by-step online tool that helps companies identify where and how water is used and treated, the costs involved and practical ways to reduce and re-use it. The tool also helps organisations keep control of costs and future proof against rises and supply shortages.

In 2008 Envirowise ran Rippleffect, a free initiative designed to help businesses tackle water use. The scheme attracted around 500 businesses, it is hoped that many more will benefit from water savings by using the new tool.

“Whilst many of us consider water to be a cheap and endless resource, the reality is that we are using and wasting far too much, and this is placing extra pressure on existing supplies as well as impacting on the bottom line” said Simon Best, East of England regional manager for Envirowise.

“It is crucial that people are aware of the serious and complex issues around water supply and use and we hope the new Water Efficiency Tool from Envirowise will help businesses address these challenges in the most effective way.”

To use the Water Efficiency Tool visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/water

Envirowise offers a range of support, guides and factsheets for businesses interested in becoming more water efficient. For more information visit the Envirowise website: www.envirowise.gov.uk or call the Advice Line on 0800 585 794.

Sources

¹ UN calculations, The Times, 22nd January 2009
² Review of Water Use in Industry and Commerce: Envirowise N.B. statistics referenced exclude utilities, agriculture, fish farming, Mfr of coke & petroleum products

From: http://www.envirowise.gov.uk