Friday 12 November 2021

How saving water, saves energy and cuts carbon for organisations

How saving water, saves energy and cuts carbon for organisations

With the spotlight on energy costs and further focus on what organisations are doing to reduce impacts on the environment, here’s some things to keep in mind to help lower future running costs and help the planet too.

Saving water at your organisation can save energy – helping lower Scope 1 and 2 emissions and cut future running costs too.

Using less hot water through small steps like tap aerators in kitchens and facilities and cutting any areas of water waste also help. And using less water overall means lower Scope 3 emissions.

There’s a big 130% tax deduction* currently available for organisations that invest in equipment including fittings in their buildings - so it’s a great time to look at water saving and go #OneStepGreener . And it all helps with Net Zero too.

Barry McGovaney, Sustainability lead at Water Plus, the UK’s largest water retailer, said: “As there’s carbon linked to the water you get through your site pipes and the wastewater that’s taken away and treated – it’s worth looking closer at the water your organisation uses.

“Water’s a whizz at helping lower Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. If water is heated with gas at you site, then Scope 1 emissions can be reduced by saving on the amount of water being heated. Hot water heated by electric heaters, would be under Scope 2 emissions, along with the amount of energy purchased overall. Water pumped around by electric pumps is also under Scope 2 emissions.

“Taking into account the cost of gas, the cost of hot water could now be over 4 times more than the cost of cold water from April 2022 – so water efficient taps, showerheads and other measures can all help there, reducing flow rates so overall water use should come down. It’s important to know what water you’re using, where and when, along with regularly checking site pipes, fittings and water meters, if they’re safe to access, ideally once a month.”

With warmer - and colder months each year, it’s worth reviewing or introducing a water emergency plan for your site/s, so your employees know what to do if water was to stop suddenly at the workplaceAround 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.

From providing expertise and installing hundreds of data loggers in 2021 – for organisations to see water use over a 24-hour period – and spot opportunities – to a tree-planting partnership to help, amongst other benefits, manage surface water that can cause extra flooding, we’re taking action as part of our Commitment to the Environment.

And Water Plus is being recognised this month with an International Green Apple Environment Award for their awareness-raising about using water more effectively amongst customers, their employees and helping organisations cut water waste.

The Green Apple Awards are run by The Green Organisation - an international, independent, non-profit, non-political environment group that began in 1994 to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.

For more information on steps to take, go to www.water-plus.co.uk/sustainability #BeWiseOnWater .

* Further details on the tax deduction at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/super-deduction .

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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