With reports predicting water is set to become an increasingly scarce and expensive resource1 and that UK businesses are using enough of it every year to fill 2.6 million Olympic-sized swimming pools2, sustainable business experts Envirowise are warning businesses that they could be pouring money down the drain.
Envirowise is urging businesses in the East Midlands to contact them to find out how simple, low cost initiatives to reduce water consumption could help save thousands of pounds every year.
To make it even easier for businesses to 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 rate rises and supply shortages.
Last year Envirowise ran Rippleffect, a free initiative designed to help businesses tackle water use. Around 500 businesses signed up for the scheme and it is hoped that many more will benefit from water savings by using the new Tool.
Richard Thompson, East Midlands regional manager for Envirowise, says: "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.
"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
ENDS
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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