In a recent survey of UK businesses, almost two thirds of respondents said they do not currently measure or monitor their water use at all, and a huge 85% do not have any water reduction targets in place.*  

However, Envirowise estimates that businesses could reduce their water bills by as much as a third if they were to take steps to manage their water use more effectively, says Claire Sweeney, Envirowise Water Specialist.

“Despite higher than expected rainfall during the last few months, UK industry cannot afford to turn a blind eye to water wastage and effective resource management. With more than 9.8 billion cubic metres being used nationally each year, there is significant potential for businesses to save money and reduce their environmental impact by taking action on water efficiency,” advises Claire. “That is why we are encouraging companies to join Rippleffect, a national initiative offering online advice and support to cut water waste and costs.”

Businesses have until 14 September to register for free support through Rippleffect: www.envirowise.gov.uk/rippleffect - which has been designed to help businesses better understand their water use, identify simple water saving steps and then measure the cost savings they have made.

“The Rippleffect programme is delivered in three accessible online modules over a sixmonth period, helping businesses to monitor their water use, identify valuable cost savings and set targets for improvement,” continues Claire.

For example, one of the key areas covered is how to carry out an audit on site, which is the first step towards improving water efficiency. An audit allows a business to understand current use in each part of the site, for example the kitchens and toilets or within industrial processes. This will help identify areas with the greatest potential to make savings. Improving measurement and monitoring of water usage also allows the company to review the success of any water minimisation practice and helps to prevent irregular consumption.

Lancashire-based Pincroft Dyeing and Printing Co. Ltd signed up to the Rippleffect last year and has already identified over £75,000 worth of savings through improved water efficiency highlighted through the programme.

Based in Adlington, Pincroft Dyeing and Printing Co Ltd is one of the largest and most modern independent commission textile dyeing, printing and finishing operations in Europe and employs approximately 180 people.

The company is committed to reducing its overall water consumption by at least 25% and aims to try to make as many of its processes closed loop so that it is able to treat the used water and re-use back in the process. Last year the company achieved a 53,000m* reduction in water use which resulted in a £90,000 reduction in effluent costs. The company also made additional energy savings from water heat recovery and associated pumping costs.

Ian Rawcliffe, Technical Manager for Pincroft Dyeing and Printing Co. Ltd explained: “The Rippleffect has given us the tools and resources to make significant savings for our organisation. The programme gave us a structured plan, which opened up many other business and environmental benefits previously overlooked.”

However, while water efficient technology can often play a part - as with Pincroft - there are also low-cost or no-cost options to save water and money such as placing ‘hippo bag’ displacement devices in higher flush toilet cisterns on your premises, reducing the amount of water used per flush. Many businesses also find they can re-use ‘grey’ or previously-used water in other simple ways, such as external cleaning or garden irrigation.

Also, it is important to stress that any process change will require the input and support of staff in order to be effective. Envirowise would suggest nominating one employee to act as an internal ‘resource efficiency champion’ who can help implement activity and provide feedback about positive results to employees.

Businesses interested in taking part in Rippleffect should visit: www.envirowise.gov.uk/rippleffect before 14 September 2009 or call the Envirowise Advice Line on: 0800 585794.

 

Footnotes

* Estimates based on data taken from ‘A Review of Water Use in Industry and Commerce, Addendum Report, Envirowise, March 2008’ 
* A telephone survey of 420 UK business decision makers was carried out by Millward Brown on behalf of Envirowise during May 2009 
* Estimates based on data taken from ‘A Review of Water Use in Industry and Commerce, Addendum Report, Envirowise, March 2008’ and calculated on an average water charge of £1.06 per m3.