Businesses keen to get water wise for the environment says new poll
Posted: Monday 18th May 2009
Opportunityfor utility firms to capitalise on business interest in water efficiency.
A poll of 500 UK organisations carried out on behalf of the Environment Agency has revealed that over two fifths (41%) are unaware that water consumption adds to their carbon footprint, despite keen interest in minimising their environmental impact.
Almost half (48%) of businesses questioned cited a lack of knowledge as the main barrier to implementing water efficiency measures. Awareness of the role water wastage plays in carbon emissions varies significantly by industry and is highest amongst agricultural firms (67%), business services (59%) and hotels and restaurants (56%).
The Environment Agency’s 2009 Water Efficiency Awards, aims to demonstrate that sustainability and water efficiency go hand in hand for businesses. The supply and treatment of water accounts for 1% of all the electricity purchased in the UK and is responsible for around 4m tonnes of CO2 emissions according to Water UK.
The research highlights that utility firms have a crucial role to play in educating their customers, with two thirds of those polled keen to hear more from their supplier on how to minimise their water consumption. Two fifths of (43%) of businesses would, if they could, consider swapping their water supplier on the basis of its record on water efficiency measures. Encouragingly awareness of water efficiency was highest amongst business leaders in the South East (62%) where according to the Environment Agency there is less water per head of population than in Egypt or Morocco.
Ian Barker, Head of Water at the Environment Agency said: "Water is vital to our economy and its use underpins many of our most important industries. However, climate change and population growth mean that businesses must adapt their behaviours to ensure a sustainable balance can be set between the demands of people and the environment.”
“It is enormously encouraging to see the strong demand for water efficiency advice from business leaders. Water companies, Government, and regulators must work together to highlight the business benefits of water efficiency to industry and showcase best practice.”
To showcase best practice in water efficiency, the Environment Agency is seeking entries for its 2009 Water Efficiency Awards, sponsored by Defra, the Food and Drink Federation and Ofwat. Backed by partners Business Link, Envirowise and IEMA, the Awards are in their ninth year and are the leading scheme in England and Wales to recognise the achievements of business in promoting water efficiency. The Environment Agency Water Efficiency Awards were launched in 2000 and are held bi-annually. The deadline for entries is May 15, and the awards ceremony will take place on 15 July 2009. Businesses can find more details on past winners or enter their own firms at www.water-efficiency-awards.org.uk
