As national 'Water at Work Week' gets underway (14-18 August 2006), Scottish businesses are being urged to take action to minimise the risk of water waste and make significant cost savings at the same time.
New statistics from Envirowise reveal that offices across Scotland are using 67 million litres of water every day - a staggering 86 per cent of which is a direct result of flushing toilets.1
With almost 27 million litres wasted every day, Envirowise is challenging businesses to implement simple resource efficiency measures such as targeting toilets and taps.2 Not only can companies help to ensure Scotland doesn't face the same shortages as other parts of the UK, they can also make significant cost savings.
For example, Envirowise's Big Splash water saving initiative has identified £2.5 million of water related savings for the 100 forward thinking Scottish companies that took part. Businesses joining the campaign for 2006/07 could be set to make savings of up to 50 per cent on their water costs through implementing simple and low cost water minimisation measures.3
Envirowise Business Manager for Scotland, Alan Hendry, said:
"Consumers are constantly being urged to save water, but with businesses responsible for using a third of the UK's water, unnecessary waste is no longer something they can afford to ignore."
"If every office in Scotland were to put a litre bottle of water in older toilet cisterns, daily water wastage could be cut by over 11 million litres4 - just one of the four simple steps businesses can make during 'Water at Work Week'. We would also urge local companies to dip a toe in the water and find out about our Big Splash initiative.
Diageo, one of the world's leading premium drinks businesses which own brands including Smirnoff, Johnny Walker and Guinness, is one company enjoying the results of targeting unnecessary water waste.
Robert Badger, one of Diageo's Environmental Managers, commented:
"The Big Splash initiative has helped raise awareness across our company of water efficiency issues and as a result we can now better manage our usage. By communicating environmental awareness to our employees, we have slashed water consumption by 15 per cent. I would highly encourage other Scottish businesses to start working to reduce their water use as a priority - the business benefits are ready for the taking."
Envirowise is challenging businesses to take action over 'Water at Work Week' and to follow four simple steps:
- Place a litre bottle of water inside each toilet cistern in your workplace, immediately reducing the amount of flush water used by 20 per cent.5
- Consider installing push / spray taps to reduce water used during hand washing by up to 70per cent.6
- Log on to the Envirowise water account tool at www.envirowise.gov.uk/wateraccount to calculate your potential cost savings and track water usage on your premises or email bigsplashscotland@envirowise.gov.uk for more information.
- Check water systems for leaks by monitoring meter readings regularly - if the level changes unexpectedly there could be a leak which needs rapid attention.
For further information call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794 or visit Envirowise's Scotland section.
Notes:
- Based on estimated number of office workers within ONS labour market statistics x 35 litres per person.
- ONS labour market statistics
- Envirowise
- ONS labour market statistics
- GG522 - Envirowise publication
- GG522 - Envirowise publication
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Jenny Ingram or Laura McKenzie on 0131 226 2363.
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to Scottish businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any Scottish business, completely free of charge. For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland or call 0800 585 794.