Over the last 6 months, the UK has been hit by rising energy prices, logistics issues and many businesses still feeling the impact of COVID-19 so finding ways to make savings is top priority. Some business expenses cannot be avoided, and utilities top this list. This is why it’s so important to consider your business’ efficiency strategy and do all you can to improve it.
All businesses need gas, electricity and water so finding ways to make savings in these areas makes sense. The winter months usually result in a hike in your spend on gas and electricity, but where does water come into the equation? Looking for efficient ways to minimise water use and cut back on wastage is a great idea. At Wave, we work with our customers to show them effective ways to minimise waterwaste and reduce their water consumption wherever they can. A good place to start is with a water saving pledge.
Commit your business to a water saving pledge
The winter is the perfect time to make a pledge to save water, as it could benefit your business’ bottom line, as well as the environment. At Wave we work with a number of our customers to agree water reduction targets and help put in place a good water saving strategy. Our Water Efficiency Services help organisations keep track of their water consumption, analyse it and provide recommendations for cost savings and water conservation. This can be through services like high consumption alerts, data analysis, investigations, contingency planning, compliance checks and even simple tips you can implement in the office or on the shop floor to cut back on waterwaste.
The energy intensity of your water usage
Before we look at ways you can improve your water efficiency, it’s important to understand the impact of waterwaste and the energy involved in getting water to your business. The water industry uses 3% of all the electricity generated in the UK. It also contributes approximately 1% to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Once water reaches your business, further processes usually need to take place so you can use it effectively. Whether you need to cool it, heat it, purify it or pump it, it all adds to the energy and water consumption of your business. Considering both the cost to your company and the impact on the environment, it makes good business sense to improve your water efficiency. So, let’s take a closer look at how you can do that.
Improving your business water efficiency
Sometimes water being wasted is beyond your control. Frozen and burst pipes in particular become more of a problem in the winter months but there are still things you can do protect your water pipes and your business against the unnecessary costs.
Regular meter reads
If your water meter is in a safe location and you can access it with ease, then taking regular water meter reads is a great step towards saving water. Share your reads regularly with your water retailer as this ensures a much more accurate bill. At Wave, we can often set-up high consumption alerts against your account which can indicate if your consumption is increasing significantly. This may suggest a leak has occurred and we’ll notify you so you can address it quickly. Our team can also help locate your meter if you aren’t sure where it is.
Plan for the worst
Contingency plans are there to protect your business if the worst should happen. If your water goes off, what would you do? In an emergency you’re always advised to contact your water Wholesaler, but often they are unable to provide alternative water supplies. That’s why you need a plan in place should your water services be interrupted or impacted by a burst main or other incident. Being organised in advance means you don’t have to panic or worry if the worst does happen. Think about the alternative services you might need such as water tanker hire or bottled water and speak to your water retailer to understand the services, they offer to support this planning process.
Don’t forget insurance
Water leaks and downtime due to floods or burst pipes can cost your business thousands. In many cases, the costs go up dramatically the longer the problem is left. Any leak which shows on your meter read that can be traced to within your property’s boundary is your responsibility. Take the time to check your insurance policy provides adequate cover to avoid any nasty surprises.
Encourage environment-first attitudes
Committing to minimising your water costs and waste is one thing, but there is also more you can do with the help of your staff. Adopting a company-wide strategy with water and energy efficiency at the forefront encourages others to do their bit and make a positive change, both at work and possibly even at home. Some initiatives to consider include:
- Water saving devices on toilets and shower facilities: a wide range of devices for taps, toilets and showers help to measure, monitor, and minimise the use of unnecessary water.
- Plastic-free products: for some businesses, small changes to reduce the use of plastic in the workplace could be a great first step. There are plastic-free dishwasher tablets on the market and some companies now offer refillable detergents and cleaning chemicals to help cut out single-use plastic bottles.
- Go local: relying on local service suppliers for business essentials such as printing, catering and toiletries is great for your local community but also cuts the need for unnecessary long-distance travel by the service providers, minimising your impact on carbon emissions.
- Consider electric vehicles: if you have a fleet of business vehicles, you could take the leap and switch to electric. Installing charging points on your premises will also encourage your employees to consider making the change too.
When it comes to water, remember Wave are always on hand to help you put your water saving pledge in place and find ways to cut unnecessary usage and costs.
