Sustainability experts Envirowise are reminding employers in the North East to involve their staff in helping reduce the significant amount of water which still goes to waste from workplaces every day.
The call comes ahead of national Water at Work Week (17 – 21 September) which aims to highlight how UK businesses are sending the financial equivalent of just under 40 bottles of champagne1 down the drain every minute in wasted water.
Here in the North East, an Envirowise poll revealed that as many as 66% of employees surveyed felt their employer was doing ‘nothing they were aware of’ to address this issue of water wastage.
Guy Bashford, Envirowise Regional Manager for the North East says: “With water being wasted daily across bathrooms, kitchens and factory floors, it is vital employees are encouraged to be the eyes and ears of any business campaign to reduce water use.
“Half of those surveyed in the North East said they have seen evidence of water waste around their workplaces, including dripping taps, leaking pipes, hoses left running or dishwashers being run only half-full. Employers should ensure they make information available to staff on how they can help prevent and report incidents of waste.”
Feedback from the Envirowise poll pointed to the following as the best ways to share information:
- Using posters to raise workplace awareness
- Adding information to the staff intranet or newsletter
- Offering training on environmental topics
- Running staff initiatives / campaigns
To help employers get started, Envirowise is inviting sign-ups to its water efficiency campaign, The Big Splash, where companies can access free information packs, workshops and interactive tools - as well as a confidential telephone advice line. The results will be improved profitability and reduced environmental impact.
“Since the launch of The Big Splash in June 2004, we have helped UK businesses identify water related cost savings worth more than £8 million. North East companies should make sure they grab their share,” adds Guy.
For more information on Water at Work Week or to register your interest in The Big Splash initiative, visit www.envirowise.gov.uk./water or call the Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
1 Based on the average cost of £25 for a bottle of champagne such as Moet & Chandon, Lanson Black Label or Bollinger from a leading supermarket.
Issues on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley
Media Contacts:
Peter Stilwell, Rachel Kilburn or Rod Dennis at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311 or rod.dennis@trimediahc.com
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 Environment and Energy 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