Have you heard the phrase " what gets measured gets managed?" Hard to escape, but true. Without measurement it is difficult to put things in perspective or demonstrate results.

Start by collecting baseline data, then look for benchmarks to compare your performance. Monitoring is the next step, to see how performance is changing, and then targeting - looking in more detail to identify specific areas for improvement.

Envirowise has specific tools to help with measuring and monitoring water and waste.

Collecting baseline data - some key data

  • Electricity use - kWh and cost
  • Gas or oil use - kWh, meters cubed, hcf (hundreds of cubic feet) and cost
  • Oil use - kWh or litres and cost
  • Waste and recycling - types, amounts and cost
  • Hazardous waste - types, amounts and cost
  • Water use and sewerage or trade effluent - cubic meters and cost
  • Raw material use and cost (food, beverages, guest supplies, laundry)

Annual data is best because any seasonal changes are smoothed out.

Benchmarking and monitoring - some online tools

Other

  • You may find additional free support from Envirowise useful here.