Water
The water industry could be described as energy intensive in that it’s currently responsible for around 3% of the UK’s total energy use (7,703GWh in 2005/2006). This is mostly as a result of pumping and treatment of water.
The total energy consumption through water use can be fought on two fronts. Firstly the water industry can treat water more efficiently and make use of renewable energy sources to mitigate their impact. Secondly, consumers can take responsibility for reducing the volumes they use.
For example, using ‘grey water’ should also be explored as a means of using less water. This is water that has been filtered, normally on-site, for use again, but excludes toilet waste (also known as ‘black water’) and water that has come into contact with food.
Why save water?
Very few businesses identify that water is a raw material that is paid for twice, – to receive it through water pipes and take it away as effluent. So if you reduce the amount you use you also reduce the amount that is disposed of down the sewer.
There are significant savings to be made in reducing water consumption. It’s been estimated that businesses could save up to 30% on their water and effluent bills.
Water will only get more expensive as the effects of global warming affect available water supplies and if consumption rates continue to rise.
Reduced water use will give businesses a competitive advantage as well as reducing the impact water scarcity may have during dry periods.
By saving water companies are also reducing their CO2 emissions and becoming more sustainable.
The envirowise.gov.uk website suggests saving water in the following ways:
- Don’t think of water use and disposal charges as fixed costs. Many companies can save up to 50% of their water costs through implementing simple and inexpensive water minimisation measures.
- Always measure and monitor the amount of water you use. Compare water use each year. Also compare water use against production output for manufacturing companies and against staff numbers for service sectors.
- Appoint a water monitor within your organisation to undertake periodic site walk-overs to identify water minimisation opportunities.
- Make sure staff are fully aware of the importance of water minimisation.
- Ensure pipes are well insulated to protect against frost damage.
- Investigate opportunities for re-using process water.
- Consider alternative water sources, eg rainwater use and greywater re-use.
- Keep water-using equipment well maintained and check it periodically for leaks. Ensure staff are encouraged to report leaks and that leaks are repaired quickly.
- When purchasing new equipment, take its water efficiency into account. It may be more expensive to buy water efficient equipment, but it may have a short payback period due to the water savings achieved.
- Fit water minimising controls where possible, eg push taps, flow regulator/restrictors, cistern displacement devices, spray nozzles on hoses, low flush toilets and sensor urinal flushing controls.
