Wednesday 7 July 2021

How water helps your organisation reach Net Zero (and UN Sustainable Development Goals)

There’s a wide range of benefits from getting wiser on water and reducing water stress in the future where you are – whether you’ve just got taps and toilets, or you use water as part of manufacturing, production and services you provide. Cutting hot water use has a direct impact on energy costs – and means less carbon being created too – but there is carbon embedded in the cold water you receive too – whether that’s flowing from a tap, or trickling out in a leaking cistern or from loose fittings or cracks in pipes on-site.

Plus, there are super tax deductions currently for organisations that invest, so it’s a great time to consider low-cost water-saving tech – paying you to save more in the future. Sound good? read on…

Simple steps to save water, reduce running costs and keep open

You’re billed for every 1,000 litres of water used (a cubic metre), measured through your water meter, and as hot water can cost between 2 to 4 times more than cold water, once energy costs are considered, here’s 3 top things to keep in mind:

1. Know more about what you use - Taking a meter reading each month not only helps with budgeting and expected bills but also limit jumps in costs from leaks. You can spot water issues early that could stop water at your site – something no-one needs, particularly now. An office, using data logger technology on their water meter, had a leak wasting 650 litres an hour – costing £50 a day*, which just shows how this can add up.
2. Even a little spending sees quick returns - Low-cost push taps and aerators can cut flow rates by 16 litres a minute. Showers can be reduced to 6 litres a minute – making a big difference for workplaces, gyms, spa and leisure facilities and other sites too. Hairdressers can really save too on hot water here.
3. Data devices deliver substantial results - Use a lot of water or have more than one water meter? Data loggers and digital portals help you spot saving opportunities.

Talking to your staff about being wiser on water also helps lower costs – even just boiling the water you need for a cuppa, reduces energy use (and water use), compared to filling it up to the maximum level each time.

Going further with bigger steps to help your organisation – and the environment too

There are greater costs for your organisation from inaction and not managing your water than many realise. It’s good to get ahead of the curve as interest – from suppliers, customers and the government alike – continues to build around the impact you have on the environment.

1. ​Getting ahead of the curve on water to reach Net Zero and environmental aims doesn’t need to be complicated – Some simple actions deliver in a short space of time – and the business benefits and payback period from investments will see results for your organisation – whether you’re in the private sector or the public sector. As it’s estimated the emissions from fuel combustion and product use in industrial and commercial sectors alone accounted for 17% of the UK’s net greenhouse gas emissions, in data published this year**, with the public sector contributing, along with some others like waste management and land use, to 10%, it’s worth exploring what to do, whichever sector you’re in.
2. Seek out experts to help you harness water’s full force, to drive carbon reduction and Net Zero aims – our Advanced Services team have provided bespoke approaches and recommendations for a huge range of organisations – including heat pumps and oysters to process trade effluent. Get in touch with them today by emailing: advancedservices@water-plus.co.uk.
3. Have plans for the future, so your employees know what to do if water was to stop suddenly at the workplace – Around 1 in 5 businesses have had a water issue on-site, with almost one in ten having to shut their site for an hour or more, after a water issue on-site. Knowing what to do and where you’d get water if you need it is essential.

We’ve got access to the tech - and years of experience and knowledge - to help organisations when it comes to using water more effectively, reducing waste and running costs and reaching UN Sustainable Development Goals. Plus, we already help organisations towards their green sustainability goals – and help lower energy costs when less hot water is used.

So, get in touch with us and see more ways to save in these tips we’ve got to help you.

Oh, and you can see more on the super tax deduction – a new 130% Capital allowance available from investing in equipment, including fixtures and fittings, – on the Government website here.