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 – courtesy of sben members WaterPlus

• Saving water can save you energy – reducing your Scope 1 emissions and your future running costs. Using less hot water through small steps like tap aerators in kitchens and facilities and cutting any areas of water waste also help.
• Plus, 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 it all helps with Net Zero too!
• As there’s carbon linked to the water you get through your site pipes and the wastewater that’s taken away – it’s worth looking closer at the water your organisation uses

Here’s a short video from WaterPlus on how saving water can save energy – and lower Scope 1 emissions and future running costs

Why being wiser with the water you’re using is worth it

Water may be in Scope 3 on the emissions’ list – but it shouldn’t be looked at last.

Water is a real whizz at helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, when less is used – plus, cutting hot water use means less spending on energy and less energy use too. A win, win towards climate ambitions – and operating costs too.

It’s largely an untapped source for efficiency, lower impacts on the environment and the more moves to manage water also means reducing risks around interruptions to operations so organisations, whatever the sector they’re in can keep doors open and facilities functioning.

Hot water can cost between 2 to 4 times more than cold water, once energy costs are considered, and water efficient taps, showerheads and other measures can all help there.

Using water more efficiently, including cutting any waste from dripping taps or other fittings, helps the environment and Net Zero aims you have.

Plus, there are big tax deductions currently available for organisations that invest in equipment including fittings in their buildigs, so considering low-cost water-saving tech can pay organisations to save more in the future.

Site checks help solve issues early

This year data loggers on water meters identified underground leaks at two separate convenience stores. The sites wouldn’t have known about the issues early without having more details on the water use their site. One store had a leak of 500 litres of water an hour, at a cost of around £250 a week, another 700 litres an hour, at a cost of around £350 a week. Both were repaired after they requested the services of the Water Plus Advanced Services team. The data loggers feed information into an online smart portal, provided by Water Plus, which allowed the issue to be identified and the sites contacted.

With colder winter months ahead in 2022, 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 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.

Finally….some of the things WaterPlus are doing

From providing expertise and installing hundreds of data loggers this year/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 with a Green Apple Environment Award this month (November) for their awareness-raising about using water more effectively amongst customers, their employees and helping organisations cut water waste.

For more information on steps to take, go to https://www.water-plus.co.uk/about-us