The fuel crisis will pale in comparison to the impact that limited water supplies and resulting price hikes could have if businesses continue current consumption levels, says sustainable business experts Envirowise, who are calling on companies in the East Midlands to take action now to reduce the millions of litres they waste daily.
Water is becoming an increasingly expensive resource with the average bill increase by UK water companies set at 18 per cent over five years1. Envirowise is encouraging businesses to reduce their water consumption in order to help them futureproof against the operational and bottom line effect of rising costs.
Identified as one of the ‘Top Five Risks’2 to mankind this century alongside soaring food prices and dwindling energy reserves, water supplies are already being stretched with businesses in the East Midlands using 903 million m3 every year3 - enough to fill over 240,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
New research from Envirowise shows that the biggest business water users are those in the South East, followed by the North West and Wales, with manufacturers, retailers, hotels and restaurants all having a key part to play in reducing consumption4.
Envirowise estimates businesses in the East Midlands could make annual savings of up to 298 million m3, worth around £316 million per year, and today launched a new free resource efficiency initiative to help them do just that.
The Rippleffect is focused on supporting businesses to improve water efficiency, and those taking part can expect to make cost savings as well as improve their environmental credentials.
Elaine Sharp, Programme Marketing Manager at Envirowise, a government funded programme that offers practical environmental advice for businesses, says: "Water is still considered by many as a cheap and limitless resource. The reality is that we are using far too much of it and this is 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."
Envirowise says it is possible for a business that has not considered its water use before to make savings of up to 30 per cent of its water and effluent bills, and these savings can increase to 50 per cent by investing in long-term water saving projects and water-efficient technology5.
Mary adds: "There are many simple low and no-cost ways of improving water efficiency including fixing dripping taps and installing water-saving devices. A tap dripping two drops a second across a year, for example, could waste nearly 10,000 litres of water."
Businesses taking part in the Rippleffect will gain an understanding of how much water they use, learn about simple steps they can take to start saving water and money and be given help to measure the water and cost savings they have made.
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
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Please contact: Caroline Charles or Harriet Jones at Bray Leino PR
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Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk) of valuable and relevant information
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions
Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme
Companies can also take advantage of the Water Technology List which details water efficient technologies and products that can qualify for up-front tax relief by claiming Enhanced Capital Allowances. This allows them to write off the whole cost of their investment against their taxable profits of the period during which they make their investment.
For more information visit: www.eca-water.gov.uk
- The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) - Future water and sewerage charges 2005-10: Final determinations
- Goldman Sachs - "Top Five Risks" conference.
- Review of Water Use in Industry and Commerce: Envirowise N.B. statistics referenced exclude utilities, agriculture, fish farming, Mfr of coke & petroleum products
- Review of Water Use in Industry and Commerce: Envirowise N.B. statistics referenced exclude utilities, agriculture, fish farming, Mfr of coke & petroleum products
- Defra - ‘Future Water’ Government strategy for England
(visit www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/strategy)