1. Before starting your campaign, it's good to get support, interest and involvement of senior management. Management buy-in will have a big impact on your success. You could introduce performance measures that are reported regularly to the Board, to demonstrate a clear link between cutting waste and performance. Measurement of indices enables senior management to track progress. This will help integrate waste minimisation into normal business operation and planning.
Case in point
Water minimisation has been a priority at Artetch, as they use a large amount of water for manufacturing and produce effluent. Artetch worked with Envirowise to identify where cost savings could be made. The resulting initiatives led to:
- total cost savings of just under £6,000/year
- a reduction in water use by 4,000 m3/year.
Mr Alistair Murray, Technical Manager, Artetch Circuits Ltd, said:
"an Envirowise specialist advisor has significantly helped to drive down water usage costs."
2. Once management buy-in is gained, you should carry out a water use survey to understand how, where and why water is used. This will vary depending on your business, but typically identifies unnecessary, unknown and unauthorised uses. Once identified, practical steps can be taken to cut these wastes. Envirowise advisors can help you do this.
... in the office
Office-based firms can save money in the kitchen, washrooms and toilets. For example:
- stop dripping taps
- fit push-button taps and save up to half the water used by conventional taps
- install water displacement devices such as cistern bags - supplied free by water companies
- change to automatic flush controllers on urinals ensuring flushes only during office hours or after use - this can cut use and cost in half
- check pipes for leaks - expensive on the water bill, also damaging to the building.
Don't forget - when installing new water saving equipment, pick from the Water Technology List (WTL) and gain tax benefits!
Case in point
Baring Asset Management has always had good water and waste management practices, but, an Envirowise visit* to the London office helped identify additional initiatives, leading to:
- office-based savings of over 1,200 m3/year
- other initiatives adding up to at least £2,000/yr
Tim Gore, Building Services Manager, says
"In the office environment, water savings can still be significant."
* Please note that different services are available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.
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Benefits to business | Steps to stop water waste | In industrial firms