A recent study that focused on business sustainability and environmental responsibility reported that 99% of business managers surveyed ranked water conservation as a Top 5 priority over the next decade.

But water conservation is something few of us think about at work. Since we don’t get the bill there, we are not aware of the cost and quantity of our water consumption. Our offices and factories consume huge quantities of water, so saving on the job is in our interest.

The average person’s daily water consumption is 340 litres, equivalent to 380 bottles of water.

Take a look on these simple tips for smarter water use at work:

INSTALLING WATER EFFICIENT SYSTEMS:

1. Conduct a facility water use inventory including washrooms (sinks, toilets, showers), heating and cooling (cooling towers, boiler blow-down), kitchen plumbing (dishwasher, ice machines), process water (cooling, rinsing, chemical dilution), water features (pools, spas, fountains) and landscape irrigation. Then identify water management goals.
2. Fit water-minimising controls where possible, e.g. push taps, flow regulator/restrictors, cistern displacement devices, spray nozzles on hoses, low-flush toilets, shower heads, faucets and sensor-activated urinal flushing.
3. Reduce energy costs by installing an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up.
4. Look for water sensitive fixtures the next time you purchase or replace toilets. Water-efficient equipment may be more expensive, but the water savings it brings may mean it has a short payback period.

Take a look on our sanitary and hygiene range of washroom products installed, maintained and serviced by our friendly and professional teams.

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE – BEST PRACTICES:

1. Keep water-using equipment well maintained and periodically checked for leaks, drips and other waste.
2. Ensure pipes are well insulated against frost.
3. Shut off water to unused areas of your facility to eliminate waste from leaks or unmonitored use.
4. Scrape dishes rather then rinse them before washing.
5. Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
6. Wash company vehicles as needed rather than on a schedule.
7. Wash company vehicles at commercial car washers that recycle water or on the lawn so that the grass is watered at the same time.

When you have ice left in your cup or leftover cooking water, don’t throw it in the trash or down the drain. Use it to water your plants.

REDUCING YOUR WATER BILL:

1. Have a water audit done for your facility to find out the recommended water use for your operations, then make sure someone monitors your utility bills to gauge your monthly consumption.
2. Look at alternative water sources such e.g. rainwater.
3. Find out about opportunities for re-using process water. If you use processed water in your business or facility, look into water recycling and reuse.
4. Hire a plumber to help reduce your water use with practices that use less energy, less water, and fewer chemicals.
5. Contact your water utility company to see if rebates are available for purchasing water-efficient fixtures, equipment or for facility audits.
6. Don’t forget hidden water-use costs, such as energy for pumping water, water heating and cooling, chemical treatment, water damage and sewer expenses.
7. Track the weather and water use in the landscape. Water use should decrease during rainy periods and increase during hot, dry periods. Be sure your irrigation system is watering only the areas intended, with no water running onto walks, streets or down the gutter.

Calabash Washrooms Sensaflush® Management System will reduce your washroom water consumption by up to 90%

STAFF EDUCATION:

1. Encourage staff to report leaks and ensure any leaks are repaired quickly.
2. Create a suggestion and incentives system at your organization to recognize water-saving ideas.
3. Include a water-saving tip in your employee newsletter featuring how much water can be saved with each action.
4. Implement a water management plan for your facility, then educate employees on good water habits through newsletters and posters.
5. Publish your organization’s monthly water use to show progress towards water-saving goals.
6. Appoint or volunteer to be a water conservation champion within your organization and create, implement and maintain your water conservation program.
7. Create a goal of how much water your company can save and plan a celebration once that goal is met.
8. Ask employees for suggestions on saving water and give a prize for the best ideas. Incentivize it!
9. Write feature articles on your employee website that highlight water-saving ideas and successes.
10. Take part in Earth Day and other environmental events to help promote water savings.
11. Show your company’s dedication to water conservation by creating a written policy statement and by committing management, staff, time and other resources to the effort.

Read more about how to make your washroom hygiene services more sustainable

CONTACT CALABASH:

Send us a message regarding any aspect of water saving needs for your washroom. If this is a non-urgent matter, one of our staff members should get back to you within 24 hours. For a priority response, include the word ‘Priority’ in your message or call us on 020 7371 9500.