1. Get some balance

Did you know…UK businesses could collectively save as much as £507 million by implementing simple water efficiency measures?

To get started, Envirowise recommends companies carry out a ‘water balance' to identify water saving opportunities. The key steps are:

  • Get buy-in from the Board to get activity rolling
  • Gather all water data including bills, meter readings and flow rates
  • Conduct a site walk-round, checking for leaks
  • Check source and discharge route for all water-using processes
  • Target high volume and unnecessary areas of water use for action

Envirowise offers a series of free online Water Tools and Water Management leaflets which can help you with this process, find out more at www.envirowise.gov.uk/water

2. Get technical

Did you know…50% of businesses surveyed by Envirowise said more efficient technology would have the biggest impact on them saving water at work?

And with tax relief available on a wide range of products via the Water Technology List (WTL) there is no reason why business owners shouldn't consider investing in more efficient options.

Run by Defra and HM Revenue & Customs, in partnership with Envirowise, the WTL includes water efficient devices like low-flush toilets and push taps, as well as industrial technologies, such as cleaning in place equipment.

Find out more at www.eca-water.gov.uk or www.envirowise.gov.uk/water

3. Get creative

Did you know…staff initiatives and workplace posters were selected by almost 50% of businesses surveyed by Envirowise as the best channels of information on water efficiency?

Nominating an employee as a ‘champion' for water issues could be a great way to get activity started in the workplace. Annual campaigns such as Water at Work Week or World Water Day then offer a good opportunity to organise staff initiatives.

Perhaps employees could pledge to cut their water use at home and work, working towards a collective target?

More information and ideas are available at the following websites:
www.envirowise.gov.uk/water
www.waterwise.org.uk
www.globalactionplan.org.uk

4. Get noticed

Did you know…as many as 70% of businesses polled said their employer was doing ‘nothing they were aware of' to tackle water waste?

One way to ensure activity gets noticed - and gets results - is to take a structured approach to water efficiency, by signing-up to the Envirowise Big Splash programme.

This allows companies to access free information packs, workshops and interactive tools - as well as a confidential advice line. Practical advice and guidance will help you to identify opportunities and secure both environmental and financial benefits.

For those who make significant progress, schemes like the Environment Agency's annual Water Efficiency Awards (WEA) offer the chance for companies to shout about their success and gain valuable recognition.

Envirowise sponsors the Business & Industry category of the WEA, more details of which can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or www.envirowise.gov.uk/water

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