Businesses in the South East have three weeks to sign up for Rippleffect, Envirowise's free initiative that can help cut costs by saving water.
The initiative is delivered in three online modules over a six-month period, helping businesses to monitor their water use and set targets for improvement. The deadline for companies to get involved is 14th September so time is running out for firms to join the 400 companies that have already signed up.
Lisa Mattsson, Envirowise Regional Manager for the South East said: "With more than almost 1.5 billion cubic metres of water being used in the South East every year, there is significant potential for businesses to make savings. In fact, firms could reduce their water bills by as much as a third if they were to take steps to manage their water use more effectively.
"I would urge companies to join others in seizing this opportunity to receive a package of free, practical advice on managing water more effectively – and enjoying the cost savings as a result."
In June Envirowise conducted a survey of businesses in the South East and found that 60% of South East businesses do not monitor their water use at all – with companies missing out on estimated cost savings of £1.6 million per day in the South East.
Businesses can sign up to Rippleffect at www.envirowise.gov.uk/rippleffect
or by calling the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794 – but must do so by 14th September.
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About the research
A survey of 420 UK businesses was carried out by Millward Brown on behalf of Envirowise during May 2009. Senior business decision makers from 40 businesses across the South East were surveyed over the telephone. Other key findings include:
- 70% did not know how much their business spends on water each year
- Knowledge was identified as the biggest barrier to taking action, despite free advice being available through programmes such as Envirowise
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