Liquid assets

Posted on 17 Jun 2009 by The Manufacturer

Sustainable consultants Envirowise are urging manufacturers to address their water use after finding two thirds of UK businesses are not measuring it and 85 per cent have no reduction initiatives in place.

The government-funded organisation said businesses can save up to a third off water bills by implementing simple reduction techniques and claims UK businesses collectively are spurning up to £10m a day by not doing so.

Envirowise has thus decided to offer free advice for water reduction under its Rippleffect initiative. Companies signing up by mid September will receive support to better understand their water use, identify water saving steps and cost savings measures. The programme involves three online modules which are completed over a six month period and takes in advice on initiatives like rainwater harvesting, vehicle washing and boiler & cooling tower operation.

Claire Sweeney, a water specialist at Envirowise, was keen to stress that saving water not only saves money but reduces carbon footprint too.

“With more than 9.8 billion cubic metres being used nationally each year, there is significant potential for businesses to save money and reduce their environmental impact by taking action on water efficiency,” said Sweeney. “That is why we are encouraging companies to join Rippleffect, a national initiative offering online advice and support to cut water waste and costs.”

To get involved with the free-of-charge Rippleffect programme, click here.